Community identification
Land Snail
Gastropoda (Class)
- Order & Family
- Stylommatophora (Order)
- Size
- 1 mm to 30 cm depending on species; the specimen in the image appears to be approx. 5-10 mm.
Natural Habitat
Moist environments including gardens, forests, wood piles, and under rocks or leaf litter.
Diet & Feeding
Most are herbivores or detritivores, eating decaying plant matter, fungi, and live green foliage.
Behavior Patterns
Hermaphroditic; they move via a muscular foot and secrete mucus to reduce friction. Many are nocturnal or active during damp weather.
Risks & Benefits
Benefits the ecosystem by decomposing organic matter and providing a food source for birds and amphibians. Some are garden pests; many can carry parasites lungworm and should not be handled without washing hands.