Identify commonly encountered species by shape and form.
This section is to help identify some of the more common species, frequently encountered around New Zealand.
Click on the group of images most similar to the specimen that you wish to identify.
Continue choosing the most similar group to narrow down your search. Use the text links below to go back or start again.
Freshwater BivalviesFound throughout the country in streams, rivers and lakes
Freshwater Gastropods/SnailsSmall to minute snails found in streams, lakes, and underground water bodies such as caves and sink holes
NZ Geographical Regions
Key to symbols used in Checklist.
Fw =
Freshwater
L =
Land
N =
North Island
S =
South Island
R =
Recent
Sf =
Subfossil
Fo =
Fossil