Enidae

Enidae is a family of terrestrial pulmonate gastropod mollusks, commonly known as the land snails. This family is a large and diverse group found predominantly in the Americas, with a few species extending into the Old World tropics. Enidae are characterized by their generally small to medium-sized shells, which are typically conical or ovate and often possess a thickened aperture. The shell sculpture can vary, but common features include axial ribs or spiral striae.

These snails are primarily herbivores, feeding on decaying vegetation, fungi, and algae. They inhabit a variety of terrestrial environments, including forests, grasslands, and even arid regions, often preferring moist microhabitats under leaf litter, rocks, or in crevices. Reproduction in Enidae, like other pulmonate snails, involves internal fertilization, and they are hermaphroditic, possessing both male and female reproductive organs. Eggs are typically laid in moist soil or other protected locations.

The taxonomy of Enidae has undergone revisions, and its precise phylogenetic placement within the superfamily Pupilloidea is a subject of ongoing research. However, it remains a well-established family with numerous genera and species described. Some species are widespread, while others have restricted distributions, making them of potential interest for conservation studies.