Helicidae: Difference between revisions
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The '''Helicidae'''sometimes known as the typical snails, are a [[taxonomic]] [[family (biology)|family]] of medium sized to large, air-breathing, land [[snail]]s. In other words, they are small to large [[terrestrial]] [[pulmonate]] [[gastropod]] [[mollusk]]s. |
The '''Helicidae''', sometimes known as the typical snails, are a [[taxonomic]] [[family (biology)|family]] of medium sized to large, air-breathing, land [[snail]]s. In other words, they are small to large [[terrestrial]] [[pulmonate]] [[gastropod]] [[mollusk]]s. |
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Well-known species in this family include ''[[Helix aspersa]]'' the garden snail, and ''[[Helix pomatia]]'' the "[[escargot]]". |
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==Distribution== |
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A few species of helicids have been introduced widely in countries outside of their natural [[range (biology)| range]] of distribution, and this is often because the eggs are laid in the soil, and may thus easily travel unnoticed along with landscaping plants. |
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The family is native to Europe. |
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However some of the species, such as for example ''[[Helix aspersa]]'', have been introduced and become established in numerous different places worldwide. |
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Many accidental introductions happen because the eggs of most Helicidae are laid in the soil, and they may thus easily travel unnoticed along with landscaping plants. |
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==Shell description== |
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Taxonomy |
==Taxonomy== |
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* subfamily [[Ariantinae]] Mörch, 1864 |
* subfamily [[Ariantinae]] Mörch, 1864 |
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** ''[[Arianta]]'' Turton, 1831 |
** ''[[Arianta]]'' Turton, 1831 |
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Revision as of 20:48, 2 November 2007
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| Family: | Helicidae |
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The Helicidae, sometimes known as the typical snails, are a taxonomic family of medium sized to large, air-breathing, land snails. In other words, they are small to large terrestrial pulmonate gastropod mollusks.
Well-known species in this family include Helix aspersa the garden snail, and Helix pomatia the "escargot".
Distribution
The family is native to Europe.
However some of the species, such as for example Helix aspersa, have been introduced and become established in numerous different places worldwide.
Many accidental introductions happen because the eggs of most Helicidae are laid in the soil, and they may thus easily travel unnoticed along with landscaping plants.
Shell description
The shells of these snails are mostly rather globular in shape. In some genera, such as Cepaea, the shells are brightly colored and patterned.
Taxonomy
- subfamily Ariantinae Mörch, 1864
- Arianta Turton, 1831
- Chilostoma Fitzinger, 1833
- Cylindrus Fitzinger, 1833
- Helicigona A. Férussac, 1821
- Isognomostoma Fitzinger, 1833
- subfamily Helicinae Rafinesque, 1815
References
- M.P. Kerney & R.A.D. Cameron, 1979, a field guide to the land snails of Britain and northwestern Europe, Collins, London
