Pellio

Pellio is a genus of small to medium-sized, terrestrial snails, terrestrial pulmonate gastropod mollusks in the family Charopidae. The genus Pellio was introduced by the French zoologist Jean-Baptiste de Lamarck in 1822. Pellio species are native to the Mediterranean region, including parts of Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. They are characterized by their smooth, glossy shells, which are typically ovate or oval in shape, and can vary in size from about 10 to 25 millimeters.

The shells of Pellio species are usually brown or reddish-brown in color, with a smooth surface and a distinct aperture. The animal itself is small, with a soft body and a prominent, muscular foot. Pellio snails are herbivorous, feeding on a variety of plant materials, including leaves, flowers, and fruits.

Pellio species are known for their ability to produce a sticky, mucus-like substance that they use to attach themselves to surfaces. This behavior is thought to help them avoid predators and to facilitate movement across rough or uneven terrain. Pellio snails are also known to be active during the day, unlike many other snail species that are nocturnal.

The genus Pellio includes several species, with the most well-known being Pellio ostrea, which is found in the Mediterranean region. Other species include Pellio acuta, Pellio bicolor, and Pellio marginata. Pellio snails are not considered to be of significant conservation concern, as they are widely distributed and have a relatively stable population. However, like all snail species, they are vulnerable to habitat loss and degradation, as well as to the impacts of climate change.