Garden Snail
Cornu aspersum
This record describes Cornu aspersum (species). Recorded family: Helicidae. Recorded order: Pulmonata.
Identification and Appearance
Shell height 25 to 35 mm, width 25 to 40 mm. This snail has a thick shell with a rough wrinkled surface and with 4.5 to 5 whorls. The umbilicus is completely sealed by the lip. Mouth large, with a thickened white lip. Shell usually pale brown, occasionally yellow, with 0 to 5 dark spiral bands, variable and often flecked with white or yellow-brown. Laterally there are yellow zig-zagging stripes. Very varied. Often associated with man in gardens and parks, but also in dunes, woods, rocks and hedgerows. Mainly nocturnal but will emerge after rain during the day. Although able to self fertilise most snails mate with another snail, generally during early summer. Common and widespread throughout lowland Britain.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Very varied. Often associated with man in gardens and parks, but also in dunes, woods, rocks and hedgerows.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Mainly nocturnal but will emerge after rain during the day. Although able to self fertilise most snails mate with another snail, generally during early summer.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Common and widespread throughout lowland Britain.
About Pulmonata: the wider group
Order-level background for Pulmonata, the group containing Cornu aspersum. 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 Garden Snail (9)
Frequently Asked Questions About Garden Snail
What is Garden Snail?
Garden Snail (Cornu aspersum) is a species in the family Helicidae, within the order Pulmonata.
Where is Garden Snail found?
Habitat: Very varied. Often associated with man in gardens and parks, but also in dunes, woods, rocks and hedgerows.
What is the life cycle of a Garden Snail?
Mainly nocturnal but will emerge after rain during the day. Although able to self fertilise most snails mate with another snail, generally during early summer.