Smooth Glass Snail
Aegopinella nitidula
This record describes Aegopinella nitidula (species). Recorded family: Oxychilidae. Recorded order: Pulmonata.
Identification and Appearance
A small (up to 10 mm) land snail sometimes known as the Clear Glass Snail or Waxy Glass Snail. It has an orange-brown, glassy looking shell sometimes with dark mottling and veining showing. The body is blue-grey. Aegopinella nitidula is the largest of the two British species of this genus, A. pura is smaller and often pale in colour but it can be a rich chocolate colour. An eccentric body whorl identifies these as Aegopinella . Aegopinella nitidula (left) has striations visible on the shell. Oxychilus navarricus (right) has a much smoother shell. The black band above the shell mouth is also much more pronounced on Oxychilus navarricus . Unless identified by a recognised expert, a photo is required. If the photo doesn't show the key ID features then in the comments box describe the size and identifying characters you have observed.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Order
- Pulmonata
- Family
- Oxychilidae
- Genus
- Aegopinella
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Fields, gardens and hedgerows
Seasonal Activity
All year round
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Eats plant matter.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Common throughout Britain
About Pulmonata: the wider group
Order-level background for Pulmonata, the group containing Aegopinella nitidula. 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 Smooth Glass Snail
What is Smooth Glass Snail?
Smooth Glass Snail (Aegopinella nitidula) is a species in the family Oxychilidae, within the order Pulmonata.
Where is Smooth Glass Snail found?
Habitat: Fields, gardens and hedgerows
When is Smooth Glass Snail active?
Smooth Glass Snail: seasonal activity - All year round.
What is the life cycle of a Smooth Glass Snail?
Eats plant matter.