Invertebrate · GBIF taxon 4564893
Xeropicta derbentina
Xeropicta derbentinaAlso known as Caucasian Land Snail, Derbent Snail
Xeropicta derbentina is a dry-adapted land snail recognized by its chalky white shell often banded with dark brown stripes. During scorching summer days, hundreds of individuals climb high onto plant stems and fence posts together to estivate above the hot ground. Originally native to eastern Mediterranean regions and the Caucasus, it has successfully expanded into open agricultural landscapes across southern and central Europe.
GastropodHerbivoreInvasive
1 / 7—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Algae
- Lichens
- Plant litter
Predators
- Ground beetles
- Songbirds
- Small rodents
ThreatsAgricultural land conversion and heavy pesticide application
HabitatsDry grasslands, pastures, roadsides, and agricultural edges
Life span1–2 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- OrderStylommatophora
- FamilyGeomitridae
- GenusXeropicta
- SpeciesXeropicta derbentina
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe; wash hands after touching wild snails.
Responsible observation
- Observation: Look for dense clusters resting on plant stems or fence posts on hot afternoons.
- Habitat Search: Check exposed grassy banks, roadside verges, and dry pastures in sunlit areas.
Ecological Competitor tato grasso / CC BY-SA 3.0 · cc-by-sa
Image unavailableSimilar Snail Close Relative
Keep collecting in Fauna
Found in Collections
Ecosystem chain Pro
Secret Garden
Xeropicta derbentina is found in this collection. Identify it in Fauna to fill this slot and continue your progress.
Unlock to track progress
Help improve the field guideSomething wrong?
Checking your Fauna account…Report a name, category, or profile issue for review.