Description: Shell a flat coil with a low, inconspicuous keel near the lower (flat) side. Last whorl about ¼ total shell breadth. Aperture nearly circular. Shell glossy but invariably covered with a matt deposit. Widespread in temporary habitats. 12-17 mm.

World Distribution: Occurs across Europe to central Siberia. Distribution type: Eurosiberian Wide-temperate (64).

Irish Distribution: A hard water species which is common in temporary habitats or habitats of small size in central and southern Ireland. In Northern Ireland it is found mainly around Lough Neagh. Absent from large areas of the south-west, west and north-west and the interdrumlin fens of Cos. Down and Armagh.

Ecology:

• Common in winter flooding margins of lakes and large rivers
• Not usually in larger habitats or in permanent water bodies

Key Identification Features:

• Shell a medium-sized flat coil with a keel on the lower (flat) side
• Last whorl is about ¼ total shell breadth
• Aperture nearly circular with the keel obvious on the lower side
• Surface glossy brown but usually covered with a matt deposit

Red list status:

• Least concern (lc).

Distribution Map from NBN: Planorbis planorbis at National Biodiversity Network mapping facility, data for UK.

iNaturalist: Planorbis planorbis at iNaturalist World Species Observations database.

GBIF data for Planorbis planorbis | Classification: Gastropoda, incertae sedis, Planorbidae, Planorbis

Thumbnails for genus Planorbis