Stream

Species
Rachel, Enzo, & Jordyn
Hapawai - Neritina vespertina
This species has a smooth, thin shell that displays a pale
brown color. They are endemic to Hawaii and completely edible.

Habitat - Found in mountain streams or deep streams near

the ocean

Endangered Status - Regularly occurring on Hawaii

Cool Facts -
1) The name ‘Hapawai’ means ‘half-freshwater’.
2) Shell diameter is up to 1 inch.

Matters?
They serve as good indicator species for stream quality.
 Pipiwai - Theodoxus cariosus
Appearance - A snail with a smooth high shell that is dark in color and sometimes reflective.

Habitat - It is found in estuarine areas or in pools of brackish water. This snail feeds on algae that grows
on the rocks in its habitat.

Endangered Status - Pipiwai is endangered.

Cool facts -
1) It was used as a food source by Hawaiians.
2) It is endemic to Hawaii.

Matters?
Pipiwai are an important food source for other animals as well as for the native Hawaiians
during food shortages.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sFm_bSIOOGA
https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dar/habitat/about-streams/native-animals/
 Hīhīwai Matters?
Hīhīwai are important to Hawaii because they are a
Description of the species: main food source for native birds such as 'auku'u and
'ūlili. Also when Hawaii hit famine Hīhīwai became a
Freshwater snail that has a lumpy black shell, and it’s
prominent food source for the Native Hawaiian people.
underside is orange. The shells texture and shape is dependent
on its habitat, and it can get up to 2 inches in shell diameter.
Habitat:
Found in lower and middle stream areas
Endangered status:
It’s endemic to Hawaii and not endangered
Facts:
1. Hīhīwai were also called wī, meaning “famine”, so
hīhīwai were eaten during times when food was scarce.
2. Feeds on algae growing on the rocks
Other Sources
DataStore - Quick Search - IRMA - National
Park Service

https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/wildlife/files/2019/03
/SWAP-2015-Clithon-Neritilia-Snails-Final-1.p
df
Thanks