Lapidary Snail

Lapidary Snail - Helicigona lapicida

Description

The shell of this species is approximately 20 mm in maximum dimension. The lapidary snail has got a characteristically lens-shaped shell with a clearly visible keel. The shell has a grey-brown colour with blurred red-brown spots. Because of the shell form the aperture is very oblique; the lip is distinct and whitish. It is set off the shell surface. The umbilicus is wide and open.

Identification difficulty
ID checklist (your specimen should have all of these features)

As this species is uncommon in our area, a photo is normally required.

Habitat

Shady rocks and walls (especially those overgrown with ivy) and tree trunks, especially Beech, Hornbeam and Sycamore.

When to see it

All year round.

Life History

The characteristic form of its shell enables the lapidary snail to withdraw into crevices in rock or bark during dryness.

UK Status

Widespread in the southern half of Britain.

VC55 Status

Status in Leicestershire and Rutland not known.

Leicestershire & Rutland Map

MAP KEY:

Yellow squares = NBN records (all known data)
Coloured circles = NatureSpot records: 2025+ | 2020-2024 | pre-2020

UK Map

Additional images

No additional images available for this species.

All NatureSpot records