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Family: Gastrodontidae
Common name: Thin Glyph
Discovery: G.H. Clapp, 1915
Identification
Width: 5.1-6.0 mm
Height: 2.1 mm
Whorls: 5-5.5
Glyphyalinia cryptomphala is a small to average sized glyph with a depressed shell that has rapidly expanding whorls. The umbilicus is completely sealed at all stages of growth (Dourson 2015). The light horn to white, glossy, translucent shell is sculptured with relatively closely spaced indented radiating lines, roughly 23-34 lines on the last whorl (Pilsbry 1946). This sculpture is strong apically and continues to the umbilicus. Spiral engraved lines (use magnification) are a constant feature (Dourson 2015).
G. cryptomphala is similar to G. solida in that both have a completely closed umbilicus, however, G. solida can be separated because it is larger (1-3 mm larger) and heavier with stronger sculpture; the radiating indented lines being more closely spaced, roughly 40 lines on the last whorl. G. cryptomphala can be separated from other similar Glyphyalinia species because they all have a obviously or minutely open umbilicus: G. caroliniensis has a less flattened spire; the umbilicus of G. indentata is minutely open and the radiating indented lines are more widely spaced; the umbilicus of G. luticola is minutely open, the shell is coppery, and it has roughly 20 radiating indented lines on the last whorl (Dourson 2015); the umbilici of G. picea, G. praecox, G. rimula, and G. sculptilis are minutely open.
Ecology
Glyphyalinia cryptomphala is found in mixed hardwood forests under moist leaf litter along river bluffs and in ravines (Dourson 2015).
Taxonomy
Because Glyphyalinia cryptomphala might have been misidentified as similar species, our current understanding of the range and habitat requirements are probably far too general. Accurate conservation rank assessments must await taxonomic study and clarification of the complex.
Synonyms: This animal has also been called Retinella cryptomphala.
Distribution
Glyphyalinia cryptomphala is mostly known farther southwest in the Appalachian Mountains, but some records show it in West Virginia, Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, DC.
Conservation
NatureServe Global Rank: G5, Secure.
NatureServe State Rank: S4, Apparently Secure.
