Discus Snail
Discus rotundatus
This record describes Discus rotundatus (species). Recorded family: Patulidae. Recorded order: Pulmonata.
Identification and Appearance
The Discus Snail is a fairly small snail (5 to 7 mm) with a flattened, almost lens-shaped, tightly coiled and densely ribbed, brownish yellow-grey shell which, on close examination, can be seen to be flecked with red and has 6 or 7 whorls. Lives in moist sheltered places making use of almost any type of cover provided by leaf litter, stones, logs, rubble, cracked brickwork etc. Detritus and fungus feeder. Eggs are laid from February to the end of the year and hatch in ten to twelve days, gaining maturity in about one year.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Lives in moist sheltered places making use of almost any type of cover provided by leaf litter, stones, logs, rubble, cracked brickwork etc.
Seasonal Activity
Most of the year.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Detritus and fungus feeder. Eggs are laid from February to the end of the year and hatch in ten to twelve days, gaining maturity in about one year.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Very common throughout Britain.
About Pulmonata: the wider group
Order-level background for Pulmonata, the group containing Discus rotundatus. 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 Discus Snail (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Discus Snail
What is Discus Snail?
Discus Snail (Discus rotundatus) is a species in the family Patulidae, within the order Pulmonata.
Where is Discus Snail found?
Habitat: Lives in moist sheltered places making use of almost any type of cover provided by leaf litter, stones, logs, rubble, cracked brickwork etc.
When is Discus Snail active?
Discus Snail: seasonal activity - Most of the year..
What is the life cycle of a Discus Snail?
Detritus and fungus feeder. Eggs are laid from February to the end of the year and hatch in ten to twelve days, gaining maturity in about one year.