Uittalix mercurius
Uitallix mercurius evolved to be much faster without excess shell weighing them down or causing unnecessary drag.
They have evolved to grow a thin membrane over their shell. The membrane begins growing at the shell opening, growing up the shell until the it is completely covered. The top of the membrane then secretes a weak acetic acid which breaks down the last chamber of their shell, leaving a shorter and smoother top. Circulation is then cut off from the membrane, killing the tissue which is then shed into the water. This process occurs periodically as the shell grows. This adaptation allows them to be smaller and lighter than their ancestor, making it easier for them to hide and move around when looking for food or evading predators.
Uitallix mercurius feeds on the seeds of E. aquatica, E. flortatensis, and L. megafolium, which they find with their acute sense of smell with the help of their spiny hair-like growths inherited from their ancestor. Their increased speed makes them better able to reach their food before their competitors.
Like most helixes, they are capable of both asexual and sexual reproduction by releasing sperm into the water. Their eggs are carried inside the rim of their shell until they hatch. Young helids reach sexual maturity at approximately 2.5 weeks.
