Shiny Glass Snail
Zonitoides nitidus
This record describes Zonitoides nitidus (species). Recorded family: Gastrodontidae. Recorded order: Pulmonata.
Identification and Appearance
The shell is 6 to 7 mm wide, 3.5 to 4 mm high, dark brown and shiny. The shell has irregular, low wrinkle-like striae and a total of 4 1/2 to 5 whorls. The body of the snail is black with a dull orange spot on the mantle. This orange spot can be seen through the shell in contracted individuals. Unless identified by a recognised expert, a photo should be attached which shows the characteristic orange spot or in the comments box, describe the size and identifying characters. This species generally lives damper areas such as marshes, greenhouses and wet areas along the edges of rivers, lakes and ponds where it can be found under wood, rocks, and vegetation. These snails are carnivores and have been noted to be cannibals. This species reproduces mainly by self-fertilization. Widespread in Britain, though less common in northern England and Scotland.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Order
- Pulmonata
- Family
- Gastrodontidae
- Genus
- Zonitoides
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
This species generally lives damper areas such as marshes, greenhouses and wet areas along the edges of rivers, lakes and ponds where it can be found under wood, rocks, and vegetation.
Seasonal Activity
All year round.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
These snails are carnivores and have been noted to be cannibals. This species reproduces mainly by self-fertilization.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread in Britain, though less common in northern England and Scotland.
About Pulmonata: the wider group
Order-level background for Pulmonata, the group containing Zonitoides nitidus. 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 Shiny Glass Snail (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Shiny Glass Snail
What is Shiny Glass Snail?
Shiny Glass Snail (Zonitoides nitidus) is a species in the family Gastrodontidae, within the order Pulmonata.
Where is Shiny Glass Snail found?
Habitat: This species generally lives damper areas such as marshes, greenhouses and wet areas along the edges of rivers, lakes and ponds where it can be found under wood, rocks, and vegetation.
When is Shiny Glass Snail active?
Shiny Glass Snail: seasonal activity - All year round..
What is the life cycle of a Shiny Glass Snail?
These snails are carnivores and have been noted to be cannibals. This species reproduces mainly by self-fertilization.