Snails – European brown snail

Helix aspersa

Appearance

•   Adults - 28-35 mm. Weight of 7-15 g. Shell is brown.

Lifecycle

•  They are hermaphrodites, producing both spermatozoa and ova; but cross-fertilisation usually takes place.
•  Each brood may consist of between 30 and 120 eggs which take 2 weeks to hatch. The shells of hatchlings are both fragile and translucent.
•  It can take two years to reach full maturity.

Habits

•  Most native species can be found under logs and rocks, in leaf litter or under tree bark.
•  During humid weather they are found foraging for food or looking for mates.
•  They can damage leaves and fruit by producing irregular holes.