Draparnaud's Glass Snail

Oxychilus draparnaudi

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

Identification and Appearance

Draparnaud's Glass Snail - Oxychilus draparnaudi

This is the largest of the Glass Snails, reaching up to 15mm across. Unlike the other Oxychilus species, it has a waxy, not glossy, shell which is yellowish-brown in colour. It has a blue-grey body. Oxychilis snails can be a challenge to distinguish but O. drapanaudi can usually be distinguished by the combination of size and colour. Unless identified by a recognised expert, a photo is required. In the comments box describe the size and identifying characters you have observed. Lives in leaf litter and under plants and stones where it predates other snails. It is common and widespread, particularly in the southern half of Britain.

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

Found in gardens and shady habitats.

Seasonal Activity

All year.

Diet and Behavior

Life History

Lives in leaf litter and under plants and stones where it predates other snails.

Additional species information

Recorded status

It is common and widespread, particularly in the southern half of Britain.

About Pulmonata: the wider group

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