- Acanthinula aculeata (O. F. Müller 1774) Prickly snail
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© Dr Roy Anderson
© Dr Roy Anderson
Map hosted by the
National Biodiversity Data Centre, Waterford
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A small conical shell, slightly higher than wide, of 4-5 convex whorls with conspicuous transverse ridges drawn out into long spines at the periphery. This ‘prickly’ appearance gives it its common name. Widespread but perhaps declining.
Key characteristics
- A very small brown shell, slightly higher than wide
- Whorls convex with regular elevated, radial ridges which are drawn out into spines at the periphery
- Mouth circular
Size
1.9-2.1 mm.
World Distribution
Widespread in central and southern Europe, reaching the Mediterranean. Distribution type: European Southern-temperate (83).
GBIF distribution map [open in new tab]
Irish Distribution
Very widespread but rather thinly scattered. More common in limestone districts and formerly widespread in central counties but apparently becoming rarer there.
Ecology
- Commonest in eastern and southern counties and generally in drier woodland habitats than Spermodea lamellata
- It can occur in overgrown hedgerows and woodland edge habitats generally
- In acidic environments the ‘spines’ along the periphery of the shell may become worn or decorticated and the finest examples usually occur on calcareous soils
Red List status
- Near threatened (nt).
Wikipedia link
Wikipedia page for Acanthinula aculeata
| Anderson, R., (2016). Acanthinula aculeata (O. F. Müller 1774). [In] MolluscIreland. http://www.habitas.org.uk/molluscireland/species.asp?ID=2 Accessed on 2024-10-07. |