Short-toothed Herald Snail
Carychium minimum
This record describes Carychium minimum (species). Recorded family: Carychiidae. Recorded order: Pulmonata.
Identification and Appearance
At just 1.5mm in height, this tiny snail is easily over-looked. The adult shell has just four whorls in a conical shape, with the lowest whorl being the broadest. It is very pale in colour. The mouth has a thickened lip and there are three internal teeth, though not all are immediately obvious. Faint radial ribs may be seen under magnification. Carychium tridentatum is similar but has 5 whorls and it generally taller and slimmer. The radial ribs are more prominent. Though a woodland species, living in leaf litter, the two species can be found together in damp woodland. A quality image is required showing the shell profile including the mouth. A specimen may need to be checked by the County Recorder. Found in wetlands and damp woodland, usually on vegetation at the edge of water. All year but most likely found in Spring and Summer. Rare or more likely to be under-recorded. The record in May 2023 was the first since 1989. No additional images available for this species.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Order
- Pulmonata
- Family
- Carychiidae
- Genus
- Carychium
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Found in wetlands and damp woodland, usually on vegetation at the edge of water.
Seasonal Activity
All year but most likely found in Spring and Summer.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Common and widespread.
About Pulmonata: the wider group
Order-level background for Pulmonata, the group containing Carychium minimum. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Short-toothed Herald Snail
What is Short-toothed Herald Snail?
Short-toothed Herald Snail (Carychium minimum) is a species in the family Carychiidae, within the order Pulmonata.
Where is Short-toothed Herald Snail found?
Habitat: Found in wetlands and damp woodland, usually on vegetation at the edge of water.
When is Short-toothed Herald Snail active?
Short-toothed Herald Snail: seasonal activity - All year but most likely found in Spring and Summer..