Ribbed Grass Snail
Vallonia costata
This record describes Vallonia costata (species). Recorded family: Valloniidae. Recorded order: Pulmonata.
Identification and Appearance
2.2mm - 2.7mm.Trumpet-like and thickened mouth which is large and circular. The shell is strongly and evenly ribbed. The shell is pale and opaque. Vallonia pulchella and V. excentrica are of similar size with a large round mouth but both lack the ribbed shell. Dry calcareous grassland, rocks and walls. Reasonably common and widespread in the south-east of England particularly. No additional images available for this species.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Order
- Pulmonata
- Family
- Valloniidae
- Genus
- Vallonia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Dry calcareous grassland, rocks and walls.
Seasonal Activity
All year.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Reasonably common and widespread in the south-east of England particularly.
About Pulmonata: the wider group
Order-level background for Pulmonata, the group containing Vallonia costata. 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 Ribbed Grass Snail (5)
Frequently Asked Questions About Ribbed Grass Snail
What is Ribbed Grass Snail?
Ribbed Grass Snail (Vallonia costata) is a species in the family Valloniidae, within the order Pulmonata.
How big is Ribbed Grass Snail?
with a large round mouth but both lack the ribbed shell.
Where is Ribbed Grass Snail found?
Habitat: Dry calcareous grassland, rocks and walls.
When is Ribbed Grass Snail active?
Ribbed Grass Snail: seasonal activity - All year..