Pomatias elegans

The Pomatias elegans, commonly known as the round-mouthed snail, is a small terrestrial snail belonging to the Pomatiidae family. These snails are typically found in Southern Europe, extending eastward to Istanbul, with some populations in Britain and Central Europe. However, their presence in North Africa remains poorly documented.

The round-mouthed snail possesses a distinctive, thick-walled shell that is ovoid and slightly conical, with convex spires and a reticulated surface pattern. They thrive in areas rich in calcium carbonate, such as limestone or chalk rock, and prefer loose, friable soil. Additionally, they can inhabit coastal sand dunes containing shell fragments.

Unfortunately, in Central Europe, the survival of Pomatias elegans is under significant threat. Factors such as intensive farming, habitat destruction in vineyards, and the use of fertilizers, insecticides, herbicides, and fungicides are major contributors to their decline. Their numbers are decreasing in central and eastern England. They are considered endangered in Switzerland and Ireland and are listed as vulnerable in Germany.