Annula

Annula is a genus of operculate land snails belonging to the family Annulariidae. These snails are native to the Caribbean region, with a particular concentration of species found in Cuba and the surrounding islands. Annula snails are characterized by their generally small to medium-sized shells, which are often globose to ovate in shape. A distinctive feature of many Annula species is the presence of axial ribs or lamellae on the shell surface, giving them a somewhat textured appearance. The aperture of the shell is typically rounded, and the umbilicus is often open.

The family Annulariidae itself is known for its diverse range of shell morphologies and adaptations to various arboreal and terrestrial environments within the Caribbean. Annula snails, as part of this family, inhabit a variety of microhabitats, including forests, woodlands, and sometimes more open, scrubby areas, depending on the specific species and its geographic distribution. Their diet is presumed to consist of decaying plant matter, algae, and fungi, typical for many terrestrial gastropods.

The taxonomy of Annula has been subject to revision over time, with new species being described and existing ones reclassified as more research is conducted. Conservation status varies among Annula species, with some facing threats from habitat loss and degradation, as is common for many endemic Caribbean island fauna.