the Heath Snail ?

Rambling Rob · #1 (**permalink**) 27-09-2009, 11:58 AM

Hello,

If you have an eye for small snails I would appreciate your thoughts on this one - flattened, about 1cm diameter - found in warm, dry environment on cliffs at Yaverland, IoW:

My guess is the Heath Snail Helicella itala.

Thanks for looking,
Rob

Jason Green · #2 (**permalink**) 27-09-2009, 08:50 PM

Hi Rob,

I think I agree! Not too experienced in these, though. Looks alright

Take care,

Jason

Hedera · #3 (**permalink**) 27-09-2009, 08:59 PM

The size and shape are right, and the shell colours do vary as in other types. This is an attractive one.

Fauna · #4 (**permalink**) 27-09-2009, 09:09 PM

This does look to be a juv Helicella itala (3 1/2 whorls if i'm looking at it correctly), though you do need to see the umbilicus to 100%, this one in the pic could also be confused for Candidula intersecta?

Rambling Rob · #5 (**permalink**) 28-09-2009, 10:14 AM

Thank you Jason, Hedera, Chris.

I'm still tentatively thinking maybe Helicella itala but hope to find another and examine it more closely. Didn't know what the umbillicus was until now - a hollow in the centre on the other side from that shown?

Having now seen pics of Candidula intersecta that one does look very similar.

Rob