Translucent snail for identification

[Bruce Williams]

Stony Stratford, Bucks. 3rd February 2011. On sandstone /sand faced wall.

Size = 5mm on longest axis.

Help with identification appreciated as always:



Bruce

[Fauna]

Hi Bruce...

Do you have any other angle shots for this, it looks like either one of the semi-slugs (Pellucid Glass Snail), or could be a small juv of one of the larger snails...though i'm leaning toward Vitrina pellucida?

Regards Chris...

[Bruce Williams]

Thanks Chris. Well A slightly different viewpoint so probably not really that helpful. It does show a little more detail...



Bruce

[Fauna]

Good morning Bruce.

I'm going for a tentative id for Vitrina pellucida, although the ones i have come across have got a green tinge to their shell but most of these have been empty shells (don't know if that will make a difference?).

There is another that looks very similar and that is Phenacolimax major, this is believed to be a rare snail and mostly found old woods, but it seems they are not found in drier habitats? These two species can be found together, both are Autumn/Winter active and will mostly die in the spring.

Most small juvs of larger snails will show blotching or bands to their shell, or some will show a keel or shouldering to the top half of the last whorl (periphery).

A good tip when looking at snails is to turn it over and take a look at the otherside, the shape or absence of the umbilicus will be important for a positive id on many of the snails...

Regards Chris...

[Bruce Williams]

Thanks for your help with this one Chris and for the added info and helpful suggestions.

Btw, what is a semi-slug?

Bruce

[Fauna]

No worries Bruce, i hope someone can confirm or come up with another possible id for you.

I'm not really sure why Pellucid Glass Snail are called Semi-slugs. Semi-slugs as far as i'm aware are species of snail that can't fully retreat into their shell. While apparently the Pellucid Glass Snail are able to draw into thier shell, the Irish species Semilimax pyrenaicus can not....i need to read more literature i think

Regards Chris...

I forgot to add this link to a species page for V. pellucida (thats if it is?). If you hit the picture of shells in top right side you can see some pics of this species. Including one with them drawn into their shells.

http://www.animalbase.uni-goettingen...pecies?id=1243

[Bruce Williams]

Interesting....and thanks for link too Chris .

Bruce

[gillsimon]

Hi Bruce,

I am Simon, son of Jan and Mal. I have tried to PM you but you forum mailbox is full. Had to contact you when I discovered you were a photographer, as I am too.

You can reach me on simon@simongillphotos.co.uk or the email address on the business card you may have received with your xmas card.

Si

[Bruce Williams]

Now in contact.

Bruce