Hi Andrew, and interested others...

A while back I did mention using a microwave to clean landshells...it works
quite well for "toothless" species such as Mesodon thyroidus, but results were
mixed with specimens of Stenotrema I tried. The teeth kept them locked in most
times, and the resultant toughening of the soft parts made them even more
difficult to extract! Immersion in boiling water with suitable forceps holding
as much of the animal as possible seemed to work best for complete, immediate
extraction...with the addition of the "right" amount of tension and torsion
while pulling. A conveniently located and clamped waterpik would facilitate the
pulling (but wear goggles, and keep your mouth closed!).

Ken Zentzis
Wichita, Kansas


Kay Lavalier wrote:

> Phil:
>
> About Polygyra: A list member mentioned using the microwave to clean them.
> It seems logical that the steam buildup would blow the animal from the shell.
> I haven't tried it yet, though. P. cereolus would be a good common test
> species.
>
> Andrew V.
>