monacha

Monacha is a genus of small to medium-sized air-breathing land snails in the family Hygromiidae, within the clade of terrestrial pulmonate gastropods. Species in this genus are terrestrial molluscs commonly called hygromiid snails.

Shells of Monacha are typically 4–12 mm in diameter, with a shape ranging from flattened to shallowly conical. The surface is usually smooth to weakly ribbed, and the coloration is variable, often yellowish or brown with lighter bands or markings. The periostracum is usually thin and may wear away, giving a glassy appearance in some individuals.

Biology and ecology: Like many hygromiids, Monacha snails are hermaphroditic and lay eggs. They feed mainly on plant material, fungi, and detritus. They are generally slow-moving and prefer moist microhabitats, such as leaf litter, under stones, or in leaf litter beds, in woodlands, grasslands, and shrubby habitats. They can tolerate a range of moisture conditions but rely on regular moisture for activity.

Distribution: Monacha species are native to Europe, parts of North Africa, and the Middle East, with some species introduced to other regions. They are common in suburban and rural habitats, as well as natural landscapes, where they can be found in decaying vegetation and sheltered microhabitats.

Species: The genus includes several species, among them Monacha cantiana (the Kentish snail) and Monacha cartusiana (the churchyard snail). Other species occur across Europe and adjacent regions, contributing to the genus’s diversity.