Factfile
Where they live
Various locations in Europe.
Habitat
Pollution-free ponds, lakes and canals.
Size
13-16mm
Weight
1g
Lifespan
1-1.5 years
Threats
Water pollution, water disturbance and habitat loss.
Did you know...
- Glutinous snails have a delicate shell which is covered in an almost transparent, jelly-like layer called a mantle. This gives it a glassy look and makes it sticky to the touch, hence its name 'glutinous' - meaning like glue, sticky.
- This species requires pollution-free, clear and calm water. Unfortunately, many of England's water bodies have become too polluted to support this species. Their last known location in England was in a pond on the edge of Oxford.
More about glutinous snails...
Glutinous snails are a small, freshwater snail that found in calm, pollution free ponds, lakes and canals. Measuring just 1.5cm in diameter, the glutinous snail was once widespread across the UK and mainland Europe. However, due to habitat destruction and pollution, the species has suffered severe declines across the continent and, after becoming extinct in England three decades ago, the UK population has been reduced to just one location in Wales.
Glutinous snails are one of many wetland species threatened with extinction. Like many aquatic invertebrates and amphibians, they are particularly sensitive to pollution. Unpolluted water in the UK is becoming increasingly rare, and an alarming number of freshwater habitats have been damaged or have disappeared over the past century.
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