Brown-lipped Snail
Cepaea nemoralis
This record describes Cepaea nemoralis (species). Recorded family: Helicidae. Recorded order: Pulmonata.
Identification and Appearance
Also known as the Banded Snail, this is the most colourful and variable snail in the UK. The shell may vary in colour, and in the presence of banded patterning. They can be yellow, pink or brown and can have up to five horizontal bands across their shells or none at all. It nearly always has the dark rim at the lip of the shell opening. The shell can reach a height of about 20 mm and a width of 25 mm. The surface of the shell is semi-glossy, and it has from 4.5 to 5.5 whorls. Unless identified by a recognised expert, a photo is required. If the photo doesn't show the key ID features then in the comments box describe the size and identifying characters you have observed. It occupies a range of habitats including woodland, grassland, hedgerows and garden shrubs. Plant feeder on a wide range of fresh vegetation. Common and widespread over much of Britain except in the far north of Scotland.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
It occupies a range of habitats including woodland, grassland, hedgerows and garden shrubs.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Plant feeder on a wide range of fresh vegetation.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Common and widespread over much of Britain except in the far north of Scotland.
About Pulmonata: the wider group
Order-level background for Pulmonata, the group containing Cepaea nemoralis. 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 Brown-lipped Snail (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Brown-lipped Snail
What is Brown-lipped Snail?
Brown-lipped Snail (Cepaea nemoralis) is a species in the family Helicidae, within the order Pulmonata.
Where is Brown-lipped Snail found?
Habitat: It occupies a range of habitats including woodland, grassland, hedgerows and garden shrubs.
What is the life cycle of a Brown-lipped Snail?
Plant feeder on a wide range of fresh vegetation.