Overview:   Like many freshwater molluscs, the shortface lanx occurs in streams that are relatively fast-moving, unpolluted, cold and well-oxygenated.  This species feeds on algal cells and plant matter that are found among the rocks and pebbles underlying these streams.  Because of these habitat requirements, the shortface lanx has been significantly affected by the building of dams along the Snake and Columbia Rivers.

Distribution: The range of the shortface lanx used to include almost the entire Columbia River basin, but today this species is restricted to only a few remaining sites.  In Washington, the presence of the shortface lanx has been confirmed in the Hanford Reach of the Columbia River, as well as the Okanogan, Wenatchee and Methow rivers.  Idaho's population is restricted to the parts of the Snake River and the Black Canyon of the Payette River.  In Oregon, this species is only found within the Deschutes River.
 
 

References: Neitzel, Duane A. and Terrence J. Frest, 1990. Survey of Columbia River Basin Streams for Columbia Pebblesnail and Shortface Lanx.
                    Fisheries 15(2). 1990: pp. 2-3.