Helicarionids

Helicarionids are a family of terrestrial gastropod mollusks, commonly known as helicarionid snails. They are characterized by their generally small to medium-sized shells, which are often thin, translucent, and coiled. The shell may be depressed or elevated, and in some species, it is greatly reduced or even internal, a characteristic that can sometimes lead to confusion with slugs. The foot of helicarionids is typically broad and flat, adapted for locomotion on land.

These snails are found in a variety of habitats, including forests, grasslands, and gardens, and are distributed across many parts of the world, with significant diversity in Australia, New Zealand, and surrounding islands. Their diet varies, but many are herbivores, feeding on plant matter, while some may also consume fungi or detritus. Reproduction in helicarionids is usually hermaphroditic, with individuals possessing both male and female reproductive organs.

The family Helicarionidae belongs to the superfamily Helicarionoidea, which is part of the order Stylommatophora, a large group of air-breathing land snails and slugs. Research on helicarionids contributes to our understanding of land snail evolution, biogeography, and ecological interactions within terrestrial ecosystems. Some species may be of particular conservation concern due to habitat loss or other environmental pressures.