Copse Snail - Arianta arbustorum

Size up to 19 mm. The shell is brown and mottled with a thin dark brown spiral band around the circumference. The body is dark, almost black. The aperture is 'C' shaped and umbilicus is a small crescent-shaped slit.

Both Cepaea species are of similar size but these lack the mottling and have an aperture that is more 'D' shaped.

• medium size
• mottled/speckled brown
• thin brown spiral band
• C shaped aperture
• slit shaped umbilicus

Unless identified by a recognised expert, a photo is required. If the photo doesn't show the key ID features then in the comments box describe the size and identifying characters you have observed.

Both open and well wooded areas.

Feeds on various plant species. While most slugs and snails in the UK only live for 1 or 2 years, research has shown Arianta arbustorum (Copse Snail) can live for up to 17 years.

Common and widespread throughout Britain.

Uncommon in Leicestershire and Rutland.