Doug,
 
I have specimens of Amphidromus reflexilabris Schepman, 1892 collected in
western Timor, Indonesia which have survived repeated slash-and-burn
agricultural methods by burrowing deep in the knot-holes of large, gray,
smooth bark trees (maybe Tony Whitten knows the tree species?).  The trees
are located in the midst of the large burnt field.  Dead, charred shells
were found on the ground in the field near the trees, but many survived in
the trees.  The shells of this population are much lighter in color and
seem thicker or more solid than shells from other populations observed.  I
am not sure whether the thick shells or coloration have any correlation to
the heat from the fire.  Interestingly, a goodly number of the population
survive the fires.  I have observed similar survival of snails in the
Florida Keys and southern Texas (both from lightening strikes), and in
Jamaica and Puerto Rico (deliberately set fires).   I do not have the
species names in front of me, but  I remember that some are operculates.
In all cases, a portion of the population seems to have found enough
protection from the fire to perpetuate the species.
 
Rich
 
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Richard L. Goldberg
Worldwide Specimen Shells
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http://www.erols.com/worldwide
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At 11:55 PM 5/13/98 EDT, you wrote:
>For what it is worth, I have had several opportunities to collect landsnails
>after forest fires; a collecting technique suggested to me by a USDA Forest
>Service biologist.  (For the cynical, no I did not set the fires.)  I have
>been amazed at the incredible numbers of landsnails which are clearly visible
>in the charred aftermath.  Most shells are brittle to the touch to the point
>of becoming ash when touched, but a surprising number manage to be caught in
>small crevices, etc. during the fires.  It is not enough to spare the animal,
>but occasionally it is enough to spare the shell and often the periostracum.
>I have several lots of specimens collected from such localities.  Has anyone
>else ever collected in this manner?
>
>Doug Shelton
>Alabama Malacological Research Center
>2370-G Hillcrest Road #236
>Mobile, AL  36695
>
>