Habitats of Molluscs: Land Habitats

Given that we have drastically altered our landscape and wildlife habitats, it is rather surprising to find that many of our slugs and snails are very common and widespread; they can clearly tolerate a lot of disturbance. Some, of course, have been introduced, and many of these are most abundant in human-made habitats, not only in this country, but many, mainly slugs, have been accidentally introduced and have become pest species abroard — read Slugs: A Guide to the Invasive and Native Fauna of California which includes keys, details and photographs of many species introduced from Europe.

There are, however, a number of species that are more restricted in their range of habitats. These can be useful indicators of high quality habitats: those which have been least affected by disturbance and pollution.

By clicking on an image below you can get a list of the species of molluscs frequently associated with that type of land habitat.

Wetlands (fens and marshes)

Calcareous grassland

Broadleaved woodland

Rocks, cliffs and walls

Old stabilised sand dunes

Old builders rubble

Garden