Paralaoma

Paralaoma is a genus of minute air-breathing land snails, terrestrial pulmonate gastropod mollusks in the family Punctidae. These snails are typically very small, often only a few millimeters in diameter, and are characterized by their flattened, discoidal shells. They are found in various habitats, including leaf litter, damp soil, and under logs in humid environments.

Paralaoma snails are distributed globally, with species found in regions such as Australasia, the Pacific Islands, and parts of the Americas. The exact classification and number of species within the genus may vary depending on the source and taxonomic revisions.

These snails play a role in decomposition and nutrient cycling within their ecosystems. They feed on decaying organic matter, contributing to the breakdown of plant material and the release of nutrients back into the soil.

Due to their small size and often cryptic habits, Paralaoma snails can be difficult to study and identify. Research on their distribution, ecology, and conservation status is ongoing.