Cellar Snail

Oxychilus cellarius

This record describes Oxychilus cellarius (species). Recorded family: Oxychilidae. Recorded order: Pulmonata.

Identification and Appearance

9-12 mm pale, translucent and glossy. Usually very pale, yellow brown. The body is pale bluish grey. Deep open umbilicus. No (garlic) smell when irritated. Oxychilis alliaris is smaller (6-8mm) with a strong garlic smell when irritated. Oxychilis navarricus is usually a little smaller (8-10mm) but has a black mantle which shows through the shell as a dark band behind the opening. Oxychilis draparnaudi is larger (11-16mm) is only slightly opaque. Unless identified by a recognised expert, photo evidence is required (ideally showing the flat shell, a side view and the live body . In the comments box, describe the size and identifying characters. Common and widespread throughout most of Britain Oxychilis alliaris is smaller (6-8mm) with a strong garlic smell when irritated. Oxychilis navarricus is usually a little smaller (8-10mm) but has a black mantle which shows through the shell as a dark band behind the opening. Oxychilis draparnaudi is larger (11-16mm) is only slightly opaque.

Classification

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Order: Pulmonata
Family: Oxychilidae
Genus: Oxychilus

Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.

Habitat and Range

Habitat

Humid and shady habitats of any kind.

Seasonal Activity

All year round.

Additional species information

Recorded status

Common and widespread throughout most of Britain

About Pulmonata: the wider group

Order-level background for Pulmonata, the group containing Oxychilus cellarius. 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.

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