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• Vertigo (Vertigo) substriata (Jeffreys, 1833) Striated whorl snail

A short, slightly barrel-shaped, dextral shell with the penultimate whorl slightly but noticeably broader than the last (body) whorl. Colour a distinctive yellow to pale brown with distinctive regular striations on the upper whorls. Aperture with 5-6 fine denticles: 2 parietal; 1-2 columellar; 2 palatal. No other species has the combination of pale colour, broad penultimate whorl and regular striations. Widespread.

Key characteristics

• A very small, dextral, barrel-shaped shell with the penultimate whorl noticeably broader than the body whorl
• Colour pale, a distinctive yellow-brown with strong radial striations on the upper whorls
• Aperture with 5-6 slender teeth: 2 parietal; 1-2 columellar; 2 palatal
• Lip thin, barely reflected, but strengthened by an internal callus which connects the teeth
• Animal pale

Size

1.7-1.9 mm.

World Distribution

Widespread in central and northern Europe to beyond the Arctic Circle. Distribution type: European Boreo-temperate (53).

GBIF distribution map [open in new tab]

Irish Distribution

Widespread, particularly in the west and north but probably under-recorded.

Ecology

• Recorded principally from wet unimproved pasture in areas with underlying calcareous bedrock
• Also found in wet scrub, particularly in the west
• At altitude or on deep peat it trends to be confined to the margins of calcareous flushes
• Marsh and field drainage and the general intensification of agriculture appear to be inimical

Red List status

• Near threatened (nt).

Wikipedia link

Wikipedia page for Vertigo substriata