A to Z of Pests

European Brown Snail

Helix Aspersa

Appearance

• Adults — 28–35 mm. Weight of 7–15 g. Shell is brown.

Lifecycle

• They are hermaphrodites, producing both spermatozoa and ova; but cross–fertilisation usually takes place.
• Each brood may consist of between 30 and 120 eggs which take 2 weeks to hatch. The shells of hatchlings are both fragile and translucent.
• It can take two years to reach full maturity.

Habits

• Most native species can be found under logs and rocks, in leaf litter or under tree bark.
• During humid weather they are found foraging for food or looking for mates.
• They can damage leaves and fruit by producing irregular holes.