Recluzia

Recluzia is a genus of small, operculate land snails belonging to the family Pomatiidae. These snails are primarily found in the Mediterranean region and parts of North Africa. They are characterized by their coiled shell, which is typically globose or trochiform and possesses a well-developed operculum, a hard, calcareous plate that seals the shell opening when the animal retracts inside. This operculum serves as a protective mechanism against desiccation and predators.

Species within the Recluzia genus are generally small, with shell sizes often measuring less than one centimeter in diameter. Their coloration can vary, but many exhibit shades of brown, gray, or yellowish hues. They inhabit a variety of terrestrial environments, including rocky areas, scrubland, and open woodlands, where they typically feed on algae, lichens, and decaying plant matter. Reproduction in Recluzia, like other land snails, involves the laying of eggs, though specific details can vary between species. The distribution of Recluzia species is often localized, with some endemic to particular islands or regions within their broader geographical range.