Malleidae

Malleidae is a family of small to medium-sized, mostly terrestrial snails, commonly known as malleids. They are found in various habitats, including forests, grasslands, and deserts, across the world. The family includes around 100 species, with the majority belonging to the genus Malleus. Malleids are characterized by their smooth, rounded shells with a distinct aperture and a columella with a single fold. They have a radula with a single row of teeth, which is typical of most pulmonate gastropods.

Malleidae are herbivorous, feeding on a variety of plant materials such as leaves, flowers, and fruits. They play a role in seed dispersal, as their feces often contain viable seeds. Some species are also known to feed on fungi and lichens. Malleids are generally slow-moving and spend most of their time resting or feeding. They are active during the day and night, depending on the species and environmental conditions.

The family Malleidae is part of the superfamily Helicoidea, which includes many other families of terrestrial snails. They are found in a wide range of environments, from tropical rainforests to deserts, and from sea level to high altitudes. Despite their diversity, malleids are not well-studied, and much remains to be learned about their biology, ecology, and evolution.