Rounded Snail
ExploreInvertebrate
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.
Habitat: 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.
Appearance
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.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumMolluscaClassGastropodaOrderStylommatophoraFamilyDiscidaeGenusGonyodiscus
Category
InvertebrateRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
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.
Special abilities
Ability
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.
Ability
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.
Ability
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.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 0+ cm
- Weight
- 0+ kg
- Lifespan
- 1+ years
- Clutch Size
- 10+
- Incubation
- 15+ days
Diet & Feeding
The Rounded Snail primarily feeds on decaying plant matter, fungi, and algae, acting as an essential decomposer in its ecosystem.
Primary Foods
- Decaying leaves
- Fungi
- Algae
- Lichens
- Detritus
Foraging Method
- Grazing
Ecological connections
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.
Traits
No trait badges are assigned for this object yet.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
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Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
No special safety notes yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to identify Rounded Snail?
The easiest way to identify Rounded Snail is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.
How long is Rounded Snail?
0+ cm
How much does Rounded Snail weigh?
0+ kg
How long does Rounded Snail live?
1+ years
What does Rounded Snail eat?
The Rounded Snail primarily feeds on decaying plant matter, fungi, and algae, acting as an essential decomposer in its ecosystem.
Where is Rounded Snail usually found?
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.
How does Rounded Snail hunt?
Grazing
How many eggs does Rounded Snail lay?
10+
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