Helicophagus

Helicophagus is a genus of air-breathing land snails, terrestrial gastropod mollusks in the family Streptaxidae. The genus is native to Southeast Asia. Species within Helicophagus are characterized by their relatively large size and their distinctive shell morphology, which is often globose to ovate with a pronounced spire and a wide aperture. The shell surface can be smooth or exhibit axial ribbing.

The diet of Helicophagus snails is primarily carnivorous, with a notable preference for other snails, hence the genus name which derives from Greek "helix" (spiral) and "phagein" (to eat). They are ambush predators, using their radula to break into the shells of their prey and consume the soft body. This predatory behavior plays a role in regulating populations of other gastropods in their ecosystems.

Reproduction in Helicophagus, like most land snails, involves hermaphroditism. Individuals possess both male and female reproductive organs. Mating involves reciprocal fertilization. The eggs are typically laid in moist environments, such as under leaf litter or in soil.

Several species are recognized within the genus Helicophagus, though taxonomic classifications can vary. Some prominent species include Helicophagus trochus and Helicophagus typus. The distribution of these species is generally restricted to specific islands or regions within Southeast Asia. Conservation status can vary depending on the species and its habitat. Habitat destruction and fragmentation pose potential threats to some populations. Research into Helicophagus continues to shed light on gastropod evolution and predator-prey dynamics in tropical environments.