Biology

The white-lipped banded snail is a gregarious species which is active during the day in damp, mild conditions and can be found resting attached to plants in sheltered locations at other times (1). The preferred food plants of this snail include nettles, ragwort and hogweed. The shells of this species can often be found around thrush anvils, stones that thrushes use to break open snail shells (1). Individuals can live for up to three years (1). These snails are hermaphrodites, meaning that one individual possesses both male and female reproductive organs. Although they are able to self-fertilise, most individuals mate with another snail (4). Breeding takes place from spring to autumn, and begins with pairing and courtship. Each snail pierces the skin of its partner with a calcareous 'love dart', a spiny projection which is covered in mucus; the function of this love dart is unclear. Mating then takes place, the snails separate, and the eggs are laid deep in the soil (2).