Land Snail (likely a garden snail due to its common appearance)
Scientific Name: Too difficult to determine exact species from the image; generally, many common land snails fall under families like Helicidae (e.g., Cornu aspersum, common garden snail) or Bradybaenidae (e.g., Bradybaena similaris).
Order & Family: Order: Stylommatophora, Various families (e.g., Helicidae for garden snails)
Size: Varies greatly by species, from a few millimeters to several centimeters in shell diameter. Common garden snails (Cornu aspersum) often have a shell diameter of 2.5 to 4 cm (1 to 1.6 inches).
Natural Habitat
Widely distributed in damp and vegetated areas, including gardens, forests, fields, and wetlands. They are often found under rocks, logs, leaf litter, and in moist soil.
Diet & Feeding
Herbivorous. Land snails primarily feed on decaying plant matter, fungi, algae, and tender plant growth. Some species may also consume soil for calcium.
Behavior Patterns
Terrestrial snails are hermaphrodites, meaning they possess both male and female reproductive organs. They move by gliding on a muscular foot, secreting mucus to reduce friction and to protect themselves from dehydration and predators. They are most active during damp conditions and prefer to hide in cool, moist places during dry periods. Many species are nocturnal.
Risks & Benefits
Potential risks include being a pest in gardens by consuming cultivated plants. Some species can also carry parasites, such as lungworm (Angiostrongylus cantonensis), which can be harmful to humans or animals if ingested, especially if snails or slugs are eaten raw or undercooked. Benefits include contributing to decomposition processes by breaking down organic matter, and serving as a food source for various animals like birds, rodents, and other invertebrates.
Identified on: 6/30/2025