Zonitidae

Zonites algirus ( Linnaeus, 1758)

The Giants gloss snails ( Zonitidae ) are the only family of the superfamily Zonitoidea from the subordination of terrestrial snails ( gastropod ). There are very small to medium sized forms, often living in the pore system of the soil or under stones. About 60 species of this family live in Europe.

Features

The housings are roundish to flattened. You can be up to about 5 cm adult large, but only a few millimeters. The animals can still withdraw completely into the housing. The skin is thin and translucent, the ornamentation pronounced generally weak. The color varies from nearly colorless to light brown. The mouth is simple, with few exceptions, where projections extend into the estuary. The navel of the case is far to narrow, sometimes closed.

Occurrence and life

The animals are widespread Holarctic. The focus of diversity lies in Southeastern Europe. You get there before especially in moist areas of the mountains, in rock crevices and screes. The animals live on decaying plant parts, carrion or prey on other snails.

System

The splendor of the giant snail family is the only family of the superfamily Zonitoidea. Previously, the independent family Oxychilidae was calculated as subfamily to the Giants shine snails.

• Giant snails gloss ( Zonitidae ) Genus Aegopinella Lindholm, 1927
• Genus Aegopis Fitzinger, 1833 Wirtelschnecke ( Aegopis verticillus )

• Giant glass snail ( Zonites algirus )