Helikala

Helikala is a genus of air-breathing land snails, terrestrial gastropod mollusks in the family Geomitridae. These snails are found in the Iberian Peninsula and North Africa. Species within the Helikala genus are characterized by their coiled shells, which can vary in size and color depending on the specific species and its habitat. They are typically small to medium-sized snails and have a distinct aperture.

The genus Helikala is part of the subfamily Geomitrinae, which includes several other genera of land snails endemic to the Mediterranean region. The distribution of Helikala species is often restricted to specific geographical areas, making some of them subject to localized threats. Their diet generally consists of decaying plant matter and fungi, contributing to nutrient cycling in their ecosystems.

Reproduction in Helikala, like other terrestrial snails, is typically hermaphroditic, with individuals possessing both male and female reproductive organs. They lay eggs, usually in moist soil or leaf litter. The conservation status of Helikala species varies, with some facing threats from habitat loss and degradation due to agricultural practices and urbanization. Research into the taxonomy and ecology of Helikala continues to refine our understanding of these gastropods and their role in their respective environments.