Kompilos

Kompilos is a genus of small, terrestrial snails belonging to the family Clausiliidae, commonly known as door snails. These snails are characterized by their elongated, turret-shaped shells, which are typically sinistral, meaning they spiral to the left. A distinguishing feature of Kompilos snails is the clausilium, a calcified plate that acts as a door, sealing the aperture of the shell when the snail retracts inside. This adaptation provides protection from predators and desiccation.

The distribution of Kompilos species is primarily found in the Balkan Peninsula and surrounding regions of Southeastern Europe. They inhabit a variety of environments, including deciduous forests, shrublands, and rocky outcrops, often preferring moist habitats where they can find food sources such as algae, fungi, and decaying plant matter. The specific habitat preferences can vary between different species within the genus.

Reproduction in Kompilos snails, like other land snails, is typically hermaphroditic, with individuals possessing both male and female reproductive organs. However, cross-fertilization is generally the norm. The lifecycle involves the laying of small, spherical eggs, which hatch into miniature versions of the adult snail. The exact number of species within the Kompilos genus and their specific taxonomic relationships are subject to ongoing research and revision within malacology.