planipedes

Planipedes is a term that can refer to a group of terrestrial gastropod mollusks, commonly known as land snails and slugs. These creatures are characterized by their soft bodies, a muscular foot used for locomotion, and typically a coiled shell, though slugs have reduced or absent shells. They are found in a wide variety of habitats worldwide, from tropical rainforests to arid deserts, and play diverse ecological roles. As herbivores, they feed on plants, fungi, and decaying organic matter, and in turn, serve as a food source for many other animals. Their reproductive strategies vary, with some species being hermaphroditic. The classification of planipedes has evolved over time with advancements in genetic and morphological studies, with the term sometimes used broadly or more specifically depending on the taxonomic context. They are a significant component of terrestrial ecosystems, contributing to nutrient cycling and food webs.