Glossy Glass Snail
Oxychilus navarricus
This record describes Oxychilus navarricus (species). Recorded family: Oxychilidae. Recorded order: Pulmonata.
Identification and Appearance
A medium-sized (8 to 10 mm) glossy brown snail with a slightly raised spire, 5 flattened whorls and with sutures slightly deeper than those of O. cellarius . The body is blue-grey with jet-black mantle edge - that can be seen as a dark band at the front edge of the shell. Sometimes emits a faint garlic smell when disturbed but not as strongly as the smaller Garlic Snail. O. alliarius (Garlic Snail) is smaller: 6-8mm but also has a slightly raised spire. O. cellarius can be a little larger but overlaps in size, however it is very flat and lacks the slightly raised spire and the black mantle. Aegopinella nitidula is a similar size and shape. This is more expanded whorls and has striations on the shell. See ID aids. Aegopinella nitidula (left) has striations visible on the shell. Oxychilus navarricus (right) has a much smoother shell. The black band above the shell mouth is also much more pronounced on Oxychilus navarricus . Unless identified by a recognised expert, a photo is required. An image should show the black mantle and in the comments box describe the size and identifying characters you have observed. Associated with woodland but also rubbish strewn sites on roadsides and in quarries, occasionally in gardens.
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
Associated with woodland but also rubbish strewn sites on roadsides and in quarries, occasionally in gardens.
Seasonal Activity
All year round.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread but not especially common in much of England, and Wales, but its numbers seem to be increasing of late.
About Pulmonata: the wider group
Order-level background for Pulmonata, the group containing Oxychilus navarricus. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Glossy Glass Snail
What is Glossy Glass Snail?
Glossy Glass Snail (Oxychilus navarricus) is a species in the family Oxychilidae, within the order Pulmonata.
How big is Glossy Glass Snail?
and shape. This is more expanded whorls and has striations on the shell. See ID aids.
Where is Glossy Glass Snail found?
Habitat: Associated with woodland but also rubbish strewn sites on roadsides and in quarries, occasionally in gardens.
When is Glossy Glass Snail active?
Glossy Glass Snail: seasonal activity - All year round..