Bithynia tentaculata
This record describes Bithynia tentaculata (species). Recorded family: Bithyniidae. Recorded order: Littorinimorpha.
Identification and Appearance
Shell height up to 12 to15 mm, width 5 to 7 mm. Sometimes known as the 'Faucet Snail' it has a shiny pale brown shell, oval in shape, with a relatively large and rounded spire consisting of 5 to 6 somewhat flattened whorls, no umbilicus, and a very thick lip. The opening is less than half the height of the shell. It has a circular 'lid' (called an operculum) which can seal off the entrance to the shell giving protection. This snail has long pointed tentacles. Found in weedy ponds and slow moving waterways. The snail is sexually mature by the time the height of shell reaches 8 mm in size. This common snail in England and Wales, but scarcer further north into Scotland.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Order
- Littorinimorpha
- Family
- Bithyniidae
- Genus
- Bithynia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Found in weedy ponds and slow moving waterways.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The snail is sexually mature by the time the height of shell reaches 8 mm in size.
Additional species information
Recorded status
This common snail in England and Wales, but scarcer further north into Scotland.
About Littorinimorpha: the wider group
Order-level background for Littorinimorpha, the group containing Bithynia tentaculata. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
This is a smaller arthropod order with specialized ecological roles. Arthropods are the most diverse animal phylum, comprising over 80% of all known animal species with approximately 1.2 million described species globally.
Ecological role of the group
Members of this order contribute to broader arthropod ecosystem functions including decomposition, predation, and serving as food sources for vertebrates. Arthropod biodiversity is essential for ecosystem resilience.
Economic and practical significance of the group
While this order has limited direct economic impact, arthropods collectively provide ecosystem services worth trillions of dollars annually through pollination, decomposition, pest control, and nutrient cycling.
Recorded sources for this group: General entomology and arthropod research. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Bithynia tentaculata (8)
Frequently Asked Questions About Bithynia tentaculata
What is Bithynia tentaculata?
Bithynia tentaculata is a species in the family Bithyniidae, within the order Littorinimorpha.
Where is Bithynia tentaculata found?
Habitat: Found in weedy ponds and slow moving waterways.
What is the life cycle of a Bithynia tentaculata?
The snail is sexually mature by the time the height of shell reaches 8 mm in size.