Trochoidea

Trochoidea is a taxonomic term used in malacology to refer to a group of terrestrial pulmonate gastropods, commonly known as land snails. In traditional classifications, Trochoidea was treated as a superfamily within the larger clade that includes several helicoid land-snail families. Modern classifications based on molecular data have led to changes in the composition and rank of Trochoidea, and the exact groups included under the name can vary between authorities.

Description and morphology

Members of Trochoidea are air-breathing land snails. They typically have shells that are disc-shaped to conical, often with a low spire, and surfaces may be smooth or ridged. The aperture and the presence or absence of an umbilicus vary among species. The soft body is adapted to terrestrial life, with a broad creeping sole and a mantle that can cover parts of the shell in some species.

Distribution and habitat

Trochoidea-containing taxa occur across parts of Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East, with some representatives extending into adjacent regions of Asia. They occupy a range of habitats, including woodlands, scrub and grassland, rocky calcareous areas, and sometimes human-modified environments such as gardens and orchards.

Ecology and life history

These snails are mostly herbivores or detritivores, feeding on plant material, fungi, and decaying organic matter. Reproduction is typically hermaphroditic, with mating often involving reciprocal fertilization. Life cycles are influenced by climate and habitat availability.

Conservation and notes

Habitat loss, pollution, and the introduction of competing species threaten some Trochoidea taxa. Because taxonomic ranks and memberships shift with new research, consulting current malacological sources is recommended for up-to-date classification.