Smooth Grass Snail
Vallonia pulchella agg.
This record describes Vallonia pulchella agg. (species). Recorded family: Valloniidae. Recorded order: Pulmonata.
Identification and Appearance
A very small snail (2mm) with a pale white or cream shell. It is flattened with a large umbilicus and a prominent lip around the mouth. Most older records and treated as an aggregate with Vallonia excentrica . It is very similar to Vallonia excentrica and the two species were only separated relatively recently. V. pulchella is more rounded and with a less flared lip. Damp, open habitats, including wetlands and ditches. 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
Damp, open habitats, including wetlands and ditches.
Seasonal Activity
All year.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Local and uncommon.
About Pulmonata: the wider group
Order-level background for Pulmonata, the group containing Vallonia pulchella agg.. 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 Smooth Grass Snail (4)
Frequently Asked Questions About Smooth Grass Snail
What is Smooth Grass Snail?
Smooth Grass Snail (Vallonia pulchella agg.) is a species in the family Valloniidae, within the order Pulmonata.
Where is Smooth Grass Snail found?
Habitat: Damp, open habitats, including wetlands and ditches.
When is Smooth Grass Snail active?
Smooth Grass Snail: seasonal activity - All year..