Eccentric Grass Snail
Vallonia cf. excentrica
This record describes Vallonia cf. excentrica (species). Recorded family: Valloniidae. Recorded order: Pulmonata.
Identification and Appearance
A very small snail (2mm) with a pale white or cream shell. It is flattened with a large umbilicus and a prominent lip around the mouth. The last whorl flares giving the shell and the umbilicus an eccentric appearance. Hard to distinguish from Vallonia pulchella (the two species were only recognised as separate species recently). V. excentrica has a more flared last whorl so is not as rounded as V. pulchella . This flaring causes the umbilicus to be eccentric (ie. not a regular spiral). Also the lip gently flares from the shell in V. excentrica whilst in V. pulchella it creates a sharp angle with the shell. Dry, calcareous grassland, dunes and occasionally walls. No additional images available for this species.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Order
- Pulmonata
- Family
- Valloniidae
- Genus
- Vallonia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Dry, calcareous grassland, dunes and occasionally walls.
Seasonal Activity
All year.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Relatively common and widespread.
About Pulmonata: the wider group
Order-level background for Pulmonata, the group containing Vallonia cf. excentrica. 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 Eccentric Grass Snail (5)
Frequently Asked Questions About Eccentric Grass Snail
What is Eccentric Grass Snail?
Eccentric Grass Snail (Vallonia cf. excentrica) is a species in the family Valloniidae, within the order Pulmonata.
Where is Eccentric Grass Snail found?
Habitat: Dry, calcareous grassland, dunes and occasionally walls.
When is Eccentric Grass Snail active?
Eccentric Grass Snail: seasonal activity - All year..