The Crimean Snail (Helix taurica) is a spiral-shaped invertebrate gastropod mollusc. An invertebrate does not have a backbone and gastropod means stomach-footed. It is also called the Roman Snail, the Edible Snail, or the Vineyard Snail.
The Crimean Snail has a thick, spherical shell with a distinct apex. The shell has a white background with dark-brown to reddish-brown, irregular, vertical bands.
It grows to about 2.5-4.5 centimetres (1-2 inches) in length.
The Crimean Snail is native to central and south-eastern Europe and the Mediterranean region.
It prefers greenhouses, grassy areas, forests, gardens, and orchards.
It eats leaves, bark, and decomposing food. It is a detritus feeder. Detritus means food waste or rotting organic matter.
The Crimean Snail lives for about 5 years.
Location of photographs: Natural History Museum of Georgia in Tbilisi]
Photographer: Martina Nicolls
Martina Nicolls: SIMILAR BUT DIFFERENT IN THE ANIMAL KINGDOM