Habitat
Ashmunella rhyssa rhyssa is widespread in the Sacramento Mountains, both areally and altitudinally. It is especially common along canyons, occurring as low as 5,750-ft altitude, being found in limestone talus at lower elevations. At higher elevations, in the Canadian Life Zone, the species may be found throughout the forests. In general, A. r. rhyssa is associated with the limestone terrane of the Sacramento Mountains. A. rhyssa rhyssa, although restrictive in habitat mainly to talus, is especially common along the canyon, occurring as low as 5750 ft, being found in limestone talus at lower elevations (Metcalf and Smartt, 1997). A. r. rhyssa is also found along the lower part of Three Rivers Canyon in an area of igneous rock. (Metcalf and Smartt, 1997). At higher elevations, in the Canadian Life Zone, it may be found throughout the forests and likely has the highest population density of any Ashmunella in New Mexico in the high forests of the Sacramento Mountains (Metcalf and Smartt, 1997). A. rhyssa altissima associated with igneous bedrock of Sierra Blanca Mountains from northern Sierra Blanca to Nogal Peak area at much higher altitude than A. rhyssa rhyssa. It tolerates the highest summit of Sierra Blanca and Nogal Peaks; the former being almost 6500 ft higher than the lowest elevations inhabited by the species (snails find shelter in rock talus). Numerous collections have been made along canyons in Sierra Blanca Mountains, where colonies are often found along streams under willow and other small trees (Metcalf and Smartt, 1997). At these very high altitudes, above tree line, snails find shelter in rock talus, much as their relatives do at the lowest elevations. Specimens have been found in the presence of aspen litter - one in the midst of an aspen grove, at about 10,000 feet elevation (Hoff, 1962).