Pfeiffer's Amber Snail
Oxyloma elegans
This record describes Oxyloma elegans (species). Recorded family: Succineidae. Recorded order: Pulmonata.
Identification and Appearance
Size about 15 mm. The thin and translucent shell, with an elongated shape, shows three whorls. The last one is about three quarter of the total size. The general colour varies from pale yellow to dark brown. The aperture is large and oval-shaped. Like other members of this family, the Slender Amber Snail's body cannot totally enter inside the shell. The body is rather dark and shows many black dots on the back. Usually near to water. Found on vegetation of very damp areas, marshes, water meadows, pond banks, etc and even on floating plants. Cross-fertilizing hermaphrodite. The eggs are laid in water. Widespread and fairly frequent in Britain.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Order
- Pulmonata
- Family
- Succineidae
- Genus
- Oxyloma
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Usually near to water. Found on vegetation of very damp areas, marshes, water meadows, pond banks, etc and even on floating plants.
Seasonal Activity
Late spring until autumn.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Cross-fertilizing hermaphrodite. The eggs are laid in water.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread and fairly frequent in Britain.
About Pulmonata: the wider group
Order-level background for Pulmonata, the group containing Oxyloma elegans. 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 Pfeiffer's Amber Snail (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Pfeiffer's Amber Snail
What is Pfeiffer's Amber Snail?
Pfeiffer's Amber Snail (Oxyloma elegans) is a species in the family Succineidae, within the order Pulmonata.
How big is Pfeiffer's Amber Snail?
about 15 mm. The thin and translucent shell, with an elongated shape, shows three whorls. The last one is about three quarter of the total size. The general colour varies from pale yellow to dark brown. The aperture is large and oval-shaped. Like other members of this family, the Slender Amber Snail's body cannot totally enter inside the shell. The body is rather dark and shows many black dots on the back.
Where is Pfeiffer's Amber Snail found?
Habitat: Usually near to water. Found on vegetation of very damp areas, marshes, water meadows, pond banks, etc and even on floating plants.
When is Pfeiffer's Amber Snail active?
Pfeiffer's Amber Snail: seasonal activity - Late spring until autumn..
What is the life cycle of a Pfeiffer's Amber Snail?
Cross-fertilizing hermaphrodite. The eggs are laid in water.