Girdled Snail

Hygromia cinctella

This record describes Hygromia cinctella (species). Recorded family: Hygromiidae. Recorded order: Pulmonata.

Identification and Appearance

It is about 1 cm across, and varies in colour from a yellowish white through various shades to a dark chocolate brown. It has a sharp keel around the centre of the body whorl, with a light yellowish white band present around the keel. As this species is uncommon in our area, a photo is normally required. A common Mediterranean species of land snail introduced into England, being first noted in Devon in 1950. It has spread rapidly and is now found in many areas of southern England and seems to have spread at least as far as the Midlands.

Classification

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Order: Pulmonata
Family: Hygromiidae
Genus: Hygromia

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

Habitat and Range

Habitat

Gardens and waste ground.

Seasonal Activity

All year round.

Additional species information

Recorded status

A common Mediterranean species of land snail introduced into England, being first noted in Devon in 1950. It has spread rapidly and is now found in many areas of southern England and seems to have spread at least as far as the Midlands.

About Pulmonata: the wider group

Order-level background for Pulmonata, the group containing Hygromia cinctella. 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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