Blue-grey snail with amber shell

[Bruce Williams]

Stony Stratford, Bucks - under log.

Sorry but this is the only viewpoint I have. I was reluctant to handle this snail as it looked quite fragile and I did not want to damage it.

Help with identification appreciated as always:



Bruce

[aeshna5]

Looks like an Oxychilus sp to me.

[Fauna]

Hi Bruce...

I agree with aeshna5 on Oxychilus. I do get a mental block when it comes to Oxychilus, especially from a photo, i should have gotten used to them by now as they are found nearly every where i look.

However, i do think this one is O. helveticus. The glosy brown colouring to the shell and bluish-grey body colour. They also have a black band to their mantle, i think you can just make this out in the photo...just at the opening to the shell.

They can also give off a garlic smell when proded slightly, O. alliarius will also give off this smell. Can be very strong on times...

Regards Chris...

[Bruce Williams]

Thank you both for your help with this one. I think these are quite handsome little snails with their body colour contrasting beautifully with their shiny-bright amber shell.

Bruce