Systellommatophora

Systellommatophora is an order of air-breathing land snails that are characterized by having a small, internal shell. They are commonly known as “slug snails” because they lack an external shell, or “shelled slugs.” They are found in various terrestrial habitats, including forests, grasslands, and gardens. Systellommatophora is a diverse group, with over 1,000 described species worldwide.

Characteristics

Systellommatophora snails exhibit several key characteristics that distinguish them from other gastropod groups:

  • Internal shell: Their shell is small and located inside the mantle cavity, making them appear shell-less.
  • Pneumostome: They have a respiratory opening, or pneumostome, located on the right side of the body.
  • Mantle shield: The mantle is often partially or fully exposed, forming a shield over the body.
  • Sensory tentacles: They have two pairs of tentacles: the upper pair is sensitive to light and the lower pair is used for smell and touch.
  • Direct development: Systellommatophora snails do not have a larval stage and develop directly from the egg.

Environments

Systellommatophora snails are primarily terrestrial, inhabiting a variety of environments, including:

  • Forests
  • Grasslands
  • Gardens
  • Leaf litter
  • Under rocks and logs

They are often found in moist, shaded areas, but some species are adapted to drier conditions.

References

For further information on Systellommatophora, please refer to the following resources: