ExplorarInvertebrate

Rounded Snail

gonyodiscus rotundatus

The Rounded Snail (Gonyodiscus rotundatus) is a small, fascinating terrestrial gastropod widely distributed across Europe and introduced to parts of North America. Often overlooked due to its tiny size, this miniature mollusk is a marvel of intricate geometry, featuring a tightly coiled, disc-shaped shell with prominent ribs and beautifully pattern-marked whorls. It thrives in damp, shaded environments such as woodlands, gardens, and decaying log piles, where it plays a critical role in the decomposition cycle. By feeding on detritus, fungi, and decaying plants, the Rounded Snail helps recycle organic nutrients back into the soil, keeping its micro-ecosystem healthy. Despite its slow pace, it is highly adaptable and resilient, making it a common find for observant nature enthusiasts looking closely at the forest floor.

Hábitat: Typically found in moist, shaded environments such as deciduous woodlands, gardens, parks, and waste ground, often hiding under logs, stones, leaf litter, and loose bark.

Aspecto

The Rounded Snail features a small, strongly flattened, disc-shaped shell measuring between 5 to 7 millimeters in diameter. Its shell is yellowish-brown to grayish-brown, accented by a distinctive pattern of regular, alternating reddish-brown spots or streaks along the whorls. The surface of the shell is highly textured with prominent, close-set radial ribs. Beneath, it displays a very wide, deep umbilicus (the central cavity on the underside of the shell). The body of the snail is typically a dark bluish-gray to charcoal color, with two pairs of tentacles extending from its head.

ReinoAnimaliaFiloMolluscaClaseGastropodaOrdenStylommatophoraFamiliaDiscidaeGéneroGonyodiscus
Rounded Snail
Rounded Snail

Categoría

Invertebrate

Rareza

Common

Peligro

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Snaps

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Datos interesantes

Its scientific name, Gonyodiscus rotundatus, highlights its appearance: 'Gonyodiscus' refers to its angled, disc-like shell, and 'rotundatus' means rounded.

They possess a microscopic ribbon of teeth called a radula, which has dozens of rows of tiny teeth used to scrape food off decaying wood.

Unlike many snails that prefer climbing plants, the Rounded Snail is highly ground-dwelling and rarely ventures high up on vegetation.

Habilidades especiales

Habilidad

Estivation Shield

During hot or dry periods, the snail can seal its shell opening with a temporary mucus membrane called an epiphragm to prevent dehydration.

Habilidad

Debris Camouflage

Its textured, ribbed shell readily collects fine dirt and organic debris, helping it blend seamlessly into the soil and leaf litter to avoid predators.

Habilidad

Detoxification Tolerance

This species has a high tolerance for heavy metals in its diet, allowing it to accumulate and lock away soil toxins without suffering immediate harm.

Medidas y detalles

Longitud
0+ cm
Peso
0+ kg
Esperanza de vida
1+ años
Tamaño de la puesta
10+
Incubación
15+ días

Dieta y alimentación

The Rounded Snail primarily feeds on decaying plant matter, fungi, and algae, acting as an essential decomposer in its ecosystem.

Alimentos principales

  • Decaying leaves
  • Fungi
  • Algae
  • Lichens
  • Detritus

Método de búsqueda

  • Grazing

Conexiones ecológicas

eaten by

Song Thrush

Turdus philomelos

Commonly preyed upon by songbirds who crack open their shells against rocks.

eaten by

Common Glow-worm

Lampyris noctiluca

Predated heavily by glow-worm larvae which inject paralyzing digestive enzymes.

competitor

Cellar Snail

Oxychilus cellarius

Competes for decaying organic matter and shelter in damp crevices.

Rasgos

Aún no hay insignias de rasgos asignadas a este objeto.

También conocido como

Todavía no hay alias listados.

Colecciones

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Seguridad

Peligro

1/5 · Muy bajo

Todavía no hay notas especiales de seguridad.

Preguntas frecuentes

¿Cómo identificar a Rounded Snail?

La forma más fácil de identificar a Rounded Snail es usar la aplicación de identificación de naturaleza Snappit.

¿Cuál es el longitud de Rounded Snail?

0+ cm

¿Cuál es el peso de Rounded Snail?

0+ kg

¿Cuál es el esperanza de vida de Rounded Snail?

1+ años

¿Qué come Rounded Snail?

The Rounded Snail primarily feeds on decaying plant matter, fungi, and algae, acting as an essential decomposer in its ecosystem.

¿Dónde se encuentra normalmente Rounded Snail?

Typically found in moist, shaded environments such as deciduous woodlands, gardens, parks, and waste ground, often hiding under logs, stones, leaf litter, and loose bark.

¿Cómo caza Rounded Snail?

Grazing

¿Cuál es el tamaño de la puesta de Rounded Snail?

10+

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