Species of the Month: Jan/Feb 2017

Girdled Snail Hygromia cinctella

 

A common species in the Mediterranean, the Girdled Snail has been introduced to the UK in recent years, probably with potted plants. The species is now well established in southern England and Wales, frequently over wintering in porches and outbuildings. Girdled Snail is sure to be widespread in south Wales, yet SEWBReC holds just 137 records in our database (view the Welsh distribution on Aderyn here).

The species is about 1cm across and varies in colour, but can be distinguished by the sharp keel of the shell, which is highlighted by a pale ring. Other small garden snails are more rounded in shape, so this species should be easy to pick out, More ID information can be found from NatureSpot and Worcestershire Biological Records Centre. If you are unsure about identification, please take photos of your snail from all sides, and we can send to a snail expert to confirm.

If you spot Girdled Snail during January / February (or at any other time of year), please send us the record, ideally via SEWBReCORD or the LERC Wales App. Instructions on how to submit records are available here.