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Helicella itala subsp. itala

Submitted by Steve Wilkinson on Wed, 09/03/2011 22:38
Taxon version key
[NHMSYS0020528184]
  • Read more about Helicella itala subsp. itala

Helicella itala

Submitted by Steve Wilkinson on Wed, 09/03/2011 22:38
Vernacular names
Heath snail
Distribution and status

A widespread species which remains fairly comon by the sea in west and north Britain and also more generally in Ireland. However, there is growing evidence that the populations in southern and eastern England have declined sharply over the last century. The reasons for this are unclear but may be related to change in use of chalk and limestone grassland.

Western European species occurring from the Mediterranean north to British Isles and Denmark.

Ecology and behaviour

Generally inhabits dry, sunny calcareous places most typically on short-turfed chalk and limestone grassland. It is also found in diused quarries, seacliffs and sandhills. In hot dry weather may attach itself for long periods to the stalks of plants. In Ireland the distribution generally extends to moister habitats.

Similar species
  • Cernuella virgata - is taller and has a smaller umbilicalis
  • Cepaea nemoralis / hortensis - lack the umbilicalis
Key identification features
  • Relatively large (more than 7mm wide)
  • Very large umbilicalis
  • No lip / calluses on mouth (though may possess weak internal rib)
  • Usually has spiral bands
References and links

Cameron R. (2008) Land Snails in the British Isles. 

Kerney M. (1999) Atlas of the Land and Freshwater Molluscs of Britain and Ireland

Ellis R.A. (1926) British Snails. A Guide to the Non-marine Gastropoda of Great Britain and Ireland Pliocene to Recent. Oxford Clarendon Press.

Taxon version key
[NBNSYS0000006754]
Taxonomic group
Land snail
  • Read more about Helicella itala
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Size: 9-25mm width; 5-12 tall. Shape: Almost flat on top (spire very slightly elevated) but convex below. Umbilicalis very broad and open.

Cernuella neglecta

Submitted by Steve Wilkinson on Wed, 09/03/2011 22:38
Taxon version key
[NBNSYS0000006753]
  • Read more about Cernuella neglecta

Cernuella virgata

Submitted by Steve Wilkinson on Wed, 09/03/2011 22:38
Taxon version key
[NBNSYS0000006752]
  • Read more about Cernuella virgata

Cernuella aginnica

Submitted by Steve Wilkinson on Wed, 09/03/2011 22:38
Taxon version key
[NHMSYS0020528137]
  • Read more about Cernuella aginnica

Candidula intersecta

Submitted by Steve Wilkinson on Wed, 09/03/2011 22:38
Taxon version key
[NBNSYS0000006750]
  • Read more about Candidula intersecta

Candidula gigaxii

Submitted by Steve Wilkinson on Wed, 09/03/2011 22:38
Taxon version key
[NHMSYS0020528127]
  • Read more about Candidula gigaxii

Ashfordia granulata

Submitted by Steve Wilkinson on Wed, 09/03/2011 22:38
Taxon version key
[NBNSYS0000006760]
  • Read more about Ashfordia granulata

Helicodonta obvoluta subsp. obvoluta

Submitted by Steve Wilkinson on Wed, 09/03/2011 22:38
Taxon version key
[NHMSYS0020528189]
  • Read more about Helicodonta obvoluta subsp. obvoluta

Lucilla singleyana

Submitted by Steve Wilkinson on Wed, 09/03/2011 22:38
Taxon version key
[NHMSYS0020528207]
  • Read more about Lucilla singleyana

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