Helix Pomatia
Helix Pomatia, commonly known as the Roman snail, Burgundy snail, or the edible snail, is a species of large, edible, air-breathing land snail, a terrestrial pulmonate gastropod mollusk in the family Helicidae. Here's a detailed overview:
Description
- Size: Adults can grow to a shell diameter of 40-50 mm, with some reaching up to 65 mm.
- Shell: The shell is typically brownish with darker stripes, although the coloration can vary. The shell has 4-5 whorls with a high, conical spire.
- Body: The body of the snail is greyish to blackish in color, with the tentacles being particularly long.
Habitat and Distribution
Helix Pomatia is native to Europe, particularly prevalent in:
- Western and Central Europe
- Parts of Eastern Europe
- Introduced to North America, where it is considered an invasive species in some regions
Behavior
- Activity: This snail is nocturnal, emerging from hiding places after sunset to feed on a variety of vegetation.
- Reproduction: Mating usually occurs in spring, with eggs laid in clutches of 30-50 eggs, hatching after 3-4 weeks.
- Hibernation: In colder climates, Helix Pomatia hibernates during the winter months, sealing its shell with a calcareous epiphragm.
Human Use
Since ancient times, Helix Pomatia has been:
- Consumed as a delicacy, especially in French cuisine where it's prepared as Escargot.
- Used in traditional medicine for its supposed properties.
- Cultured for food, with snail farms existing in various parts of Europe.
Conservation and Legal Status
In some regions, Helix Pomatia is protected due to overharvesting. For instance:
- In Germany, collection is allowed only in certain periods to ensure population sustainability.
- In the UK, it is illegal to release the snail into the wild due to its invasive potential.
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