Perforatidae

Perforatidae is a family of terrestrial pulmonate gastropod mollusks. The exact taxonomic placement of Perforatidae has varied across classifications; some authorities recognize it as a distinct family within Stylommatophora, while others have integrated its genera into related families within the same clade. The name derives from Latin perforatus, referencing the perforate or umbilicate shells that characterize many members.

Members of Perforatidae are generally small to medium-sized land snails. Shells can be discoidal to conical in shape and often display a noticeable umbilicus, with shell sculpture ranging from smooth to finely ribbed or punctate. Anatomical features and radular morphology vary among genera, reflecting diverse ecological adaptations. The group is interpreted to encompass multiple genera, though exact boundaries have shifted with ongoing revisions and molecular data.

Geographically, Perforatidae is primarily associated with temperate regions of Europe and Asia, with sparser records in North Africa and the Middle East. They inhabit leaf litter, forest floors, hedgerows, and other sheltered microhabitats where humidity is relatively stable. Many species prefer moist conditions and are sensitive to desiccation.

Ecology and behavior are characteristic of many land snails: they are herbivores and detritivores, feeding on decaying plant matter, fungi, and biofilms on surfaces. Activity patterns are often tied to moisture and temperature, with nocturnal or crepuscular habits common in many species.

Conservation status within the group varies; some species are uncommon or locally threatened due to habitat loss and microclimatic changes. Taxonomic revisions and molecular studies continue to refine the relationships among genera within Perforatidae and their placement among related families.