Amber Snail
Succinea putris
This record describes Succinea putris (species). Recorded family: Succineidae. Recorded order: Pulmonata.
Identification and Appearance
Height: 15 to 22 mm. Width: 7 to 12 mm. Very light amber to orange brown in colour, sometimes with a broad band near the opening. It has a very long final whorl to its shell. Lush, damp, well vegetated places, river banks, pond sides etc. often on the stems of waterside vegetation. Fairly common and widespread throughout England and Wales, fewer records from Scotland.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Order
- Pulmonata
- Family
- Succineidae
- Genus
- Succinea
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Lush, damp, well vegetated places, river banks, pond sides etc. often on the stems of waterside vegetation.
Seasonal Activity
Peaks July to September.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Fairly common and widespread throughout England and Wales, fewer records from Scotland.
About Pulmonata: the wider group
Order-level background for Pulmonata, the group containing Succinea putris. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Pulmonata includes terrestrial and freshwater snails and slugs with ~30,000 described species. The giant African land snail (Lissachatina fulica) can reach 20cm and is one of the most invasive species globally.
Ecological role of the group
Terrestrial gastropods are important decomposers and calcium recyclers in forest ecosystems. They are also critical food sources for birds, hedgehogs, and beetles. Many species are hermaphrodites, possessing both male and female reproductive organs.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Slugs and snails cause billions in crop damage worldwide. The global molluscicide market was valued at $800 million in 2023. Conversely, edible snails (escargot) support a global industry worth over $4 billion annually.
Recorded sources for this group: FAO, agricultural pest management, gastropod research. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Amber Snail (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Amber Snail
What is Amber Snail?
Amber Snail (Succinea putris) is a species in the family Succineidae, within the order Pulmonata.
Where is Amber Snail found?
Habitat: Lush, damp, well vegetated places, river banks, pond sides etc. often on the stems of waterside vegetation.
When is Amber Snail active?
Amber Snail: seasonal activity - Peaks July to September..