Candidula

Candidula is a genus of small to medium-sized air-breathing land snails in the family Hygromiidae. They are terrestrial pulmonate gastropod mollusks native to Europe and the Mediterranean region, with some species extending into adjacent parts of Asia and North Africa. Members occupy a range of habitats from woodlands and scrub to grasslands and rocky areas, typically in leaf litter, under stones, or in calcareous soils. They prefer moist microhabitats but can tolerate seasonal dryness.

Shells are usually planispiral to slightly conical, with a low to moderate spire. They are often brown or yellowish, with fine growth lines; the surface may be smooth or faintly ribbed. The umbilicus is commonly present, sometimes narrow, and the peristome can be reflected.

Ecology and behavior: Like other Hygromiidae, they are hermaphroditic and lay eggs in moist soil. They feed on microflora, detritus, and algae on leaf surfaces. Reproductive cycles and lifespan vary by species and climate.

Taxonomy: Candidula represents one of several genera in Hygromiidae. The circumscription of the genus and its placement relative to related genera has varied with morphological and molecular studies, leading to revisions in some classifications. The genus contains multiple described species, many with restricted or localized distributions.