Pellucid Glass Snail
Vitrina pellucida
This record describes Vitrina pellucida (species). Recorded family: Vitrinidae. Recorded order: Pulmonata.
Identification and Appearance
A small glass snail with a shell of about 5 or 6 mm diameter. It is translucently clear and slightly greenish, it has 3 whorls that enlarge rapidly and are somewhat convex. The opening is a rounded crescent shape. These snails live in moist and shady places. All year round, but most often observed in late autumn. It eats liverworts and decayed leaves. It will also eat dead earthworms and horse manure. The species is predated by hedgehogs.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Order
- Pulmonata
- Family
- Vitrinidae
- Genus
- Vitrina
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
These snails live in moist and shady places.
Seasonal Activity
All year round, but most often observed in late autumn.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
It eats liverworts and decayed leaves. It will also eat dead earthworms and horse manure. The species is predated by hedgehogs.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Common and widespread in Britain
About Pulmonata: the wider group
Order-level background for Pulmonata, the group containing Vitrina pellucida. 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 Pellucid Glass Snail (8)
Frequently Asked Questions About Pellucid Glass Snail
What is Pellucid Glass Snail?
Pellucid Glass Snail (Vitrina pellucida) is a species in the family Vitrinidae, within the order Pulmonata.
Where is Pellucid Glass Snail found?
Habitat: These snails live in moist and shady places.
When is Pellucid Glass Snail active?
Pellucid Glass Snail: seasonal activity - All year round, but most often observed in late autumn..
What is the life cycle of a Pellucid Glass Snail?
It eats liverworts and decayed leaves. It will also eat dead earthworms and horse manure. The species is predated by hedgehogs.