Terrestrial Shells

Terrestrial Collector’s Shells
Terrestrial shells represent a fascinating category in the world of collecting, characterized by elegant shapes, striking colors, and an extraordinary variety of species. Unlike marine shells, these belong to snails that inhabit terrestrial ecosystems, adapting to various climatic and environmental conditions.
They are mainly found in tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, South America, and Asia, with a high diversity of species in rainforests and high-humidity areas.
Their size varies significantly depending on the species, from small land snails to the giants of the Achatinidae family, which can exceed 20 cm in length.
Some species have thick, robust shells to protect themselves from predators and climate changes, while others develop spectacular colorations, ranging from ivory white to deep pink with unique spiral patterns.
Terrestrial snails play a fundamental role in the ecosystems where they live, contributing to the decomposition of organic matter and promoting nutrient recycling in the soil. They inhabit tropical forests, humid environments, and areas with abundant vegetation, often sheltering under rocks and logs during the day to protect themselves from predators.
The most important families of terrestrial mollusks with shells include:
Achatinidae (Giant African Snails)
Megalobulimidae (Giant South American Snails)
Helicarionidae (Semi-Terrestrial Snails)
Distribution: Asia, Australia, Africa
Bradybaenidae (Asian and European Snails)
Helicidae (European Snails)
Camaenidae (Tropical Snails)
Clausiliidae (Door Snails)
Streptaxidae (Predatory Snails)
Orthalicidae (New World Giant Snails)
Bulimulidae (Colorful South American Snails)
Enidae (Cylindrical Snails)