Land Snail
Scientific Name: Various species (e.g., Cornu aspersum, Helix aspersa)
Order & Family: Stylommatophora (Order); diverse families including Helicidae, Bradybaenidae, etc.
Size: Typically from a few millimeters to several centimeters in shell diameter, depending on the species. The snail in the image appears to be a medium-sized land snail, likely 1-3 cm in shell diameter.
Natural Habitat
Land snails prefer moist environments and can be found in gardens, forests, grasslands, and other areas with ample vegetation and cover. They often hide under rocks, logs, leaf litter, or dense foliage to avoid dryness and predators.
Diet & Feeding
Land snails are primarily herbivores, feeding on a wide variety of plant material including leaves, stems, flowers, fruits, and even fungi. Some species may also consume decaying organic matter.
Behavior Patterns
Snails are most active during damp, humid conditions, often at night or after rain. They move by gliding on a muscular foot, often leaving a slime trail. They are hermaphroditic, meaning they possess both male and female reproductive organs, and can reproduce with another snail or sometimes self-fertilize.
Risks & Benefits
Risks include being a garden pest, causing damage to ornamental plants and crops. Some species can also be intermediate hosts for parasites that may affect humans or animals, though this is less common for typical garden snails. Benefits include contributing to decomposition of organic matter and serving as a food source for various animals like birds, rodents, and other invertebrates.
Identified on: 8/16/2025