Cochlicellidae

Cochlicellidae is a family of small air-breathing land snails, gastropod mollusks. This family is characterized by its thin, generally conical or ovate shells. The shells are often coiled in a sinistral or left-handed direction, though dextral coiling can occur in some species. The aperture of the shell is typically narrow and elongated.

The snails within Cochlicellidae are found primarily in the Mediterranean region and parts of North Africa. They inhabit a variety of terrestrial environments, including dry grasslands, scrublands, and rocky areas. These snails are often found in microhabitats that offer some protection from desiccation, such as under stones or among leaf litter. Their diet generally consists of algae, lichens, and decaying plant matter.

The taxonomy of Cochlicellidae has been subject to revision, with some species formerly placed in other families now recognized as belonging to this group. Notable genera within Cochlicellidae include Cochlicella and Plicariforma. Species within this family are generally small, with adult shell lengths typically ranging from a few millimeters to just over a centimeter. Their reproductive biology is typical of pulmonate gastropods, involving hermaphroditism and the deposition of small clutches of eggs. Due to their small size and specific habitat requirements, they are often overlooked but play a role in their local ecosystems as decomposers and a food source for smaller invertebrates and birds.