Cyclophorus (gastropod)

Cyclophorus is a genus of land snails in the family Cyclophoridae. These operculate gastropods are characterized by a corneous or calcareous operculum which they use to seal the aperture of their shell.

Cyclophorus shells are typically globose or turbinate in shape, and often display intricate sculptural details, such as ribs, spiral cords, or nodules. The shell size varies depending on the species. The operculum, a defining feature of this genus, is usually circular or oval and can be either thin and flexible (corneous) or thick and hard (calcareous).

These snails are found in tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, Southeast Asia, and Australasia. They are typically found in moist habitats such as forests, leaf litter, and along streams.

Cyclophorus snails are herbivorous, feeding on decaying plant matter and algae. They play an important role in nutrient cycling within their ecosystems.

The taxonomy of Cyclophorus can be complex, and the number of valid species within the genus is subject to ongoing revision based on morphological and molecular data. Some species previously assigned to Cyclophorus may now be classified under different genera within the Cyclophoridae family.

The conservation status of individual Cyclophorus species varies depending on their distribution, habitat loss, and other threats. Some species may be locally abundant, while others are considered rare or threatened.