Heath Snail - Helicella itala
Description
9-25mm diameter with a low spire. Generally pale but usually with dark spiral bands. It has a large umbilicus that is free from the mouth lip.
Similar Species
Cernuella virgata is found in similar habitats and also has dark spiral bands - but this species is much more globular and the mouth lip partly obscures the umbilicus.
Identification difficulty

ID guidance
- medium size (9-25mm) diameter
- flat with only a shallow spire
- a deep umbilicus not touched by the mouth lip
- calcareous habitat (short, dry grassland)
Recording advice
A photo is needed of both the upper shell and also the underside showing the umbilicus.
Habitat
Prefers short, dry calcareous grassland. In coastal areas it is also found on dunes.
When to see it
All year
UK Status
Widespread but increasingly uncommon inland.
VC55 Status
Rare in Leicestershire and Rutland.
Leicestershire & Rutland Map
Enter a town or village to see local records
MAP KEY:
Yellow squares = NBN records (all known data)
Coloured circles = NatureSpot records: 2020+ | 2015-2019 | pre-2015