White Heath Snail
Xerolenta obvia
A small land snail of dry, open habitats such as calcareous grassland, roadside verges, dunes, and sunny disturbed ground. It grazes on algae, lichens, fungi, and soft plant material using a rasping radula, often climbing stems or posts during hot weather to avoid the hottest ground surface. When threatened or dried out, it withdraws into its pale, banded shell and seals in moisture with mucus. This species is notable for forming conspicuous clusters on vegetation, where its white shell reflects sunlight and helps reduce overheating.
- Type
- Shell
- Conservation status
- NE