Description: Shell dextral. A broad, barrel-shaped shell with relatively large body whorl and aperture. The mouth is prominent and triangular with a reflected lip and 4-5 conspicuous denticles: 1 parietal, 1 columellar; 2 palatal (the latter linked by a callus). Surface slightly glossy to dull, yellowish to reddish brown. Mainly in the south centre. 2.2-2.7 mm.

World Distribution: Possibly Circumpolar, but in Europe getting as far north as southern Sweden, a far east as Switzerland, and extending south to Spain and Sicily. Distribution type: Suboceanic Southern-temperate (82),

Irish Distribution: A declining species in Britain and Europe but there is little evidence at present of a noticeable contraction of range in Ireland. Found mainly in south central Ireland, particularly along the central canal system and the Shannon Callows, with outlying sites in Wexford and North Kerry.

Ecology:

• Restricted to lowland, floodplain wetlands in areas of calcareous bedrock
• Climbs on tall marginal vegetation

Key Identification Features:

• A small, dextral, barrel-shaped shell
• Aperture large and triangular with a reflected lip
• Four to five denticles: 1 parietal, 1 columellar; 2 palatal (the latter linked by a callus)
• Surface slightly glossy to dull, yellowish to reddish brown

Red list status:

• Endangered (EN).

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

iNaturalist: Vertigo moulinsiana at iNaturalist World Species Observations database.

GBIF data for Vertigo moulinsiana | Classification: Gastropoda, Stylommatophora, Vertiginidae, Vertigo

Thumbnails for genus Vertigo