Description: A small conical shell, slightly higher than wide, of 4-5 convex whorls with conspicuous transverse ridges drawn out into long spines at the periphery. This 'prickly' appearance gives it its common name. Widespread but perhaps declining. 1.9-2.1 mm.

World Distribution: Widespread in central and southern Europe, reaching the Mediterranean. Distribution type: European Southern-temperate (83).

Irish Distribution: Very widespread but rather thinly scattered. More common in limestone districts and formerly widespread in central counties but apparently becoming rarer there.

Ecology:

• Commonest in eastern and southern counties and generally in drier woodland habitats than Spermodea lamellata
• It can occur in overgrown hedgerows and woodland edge habitats generally
• In acidic environments the 'spines' along the periphery of the shell may become worn or decorticated and the finest examples usually occur on calcareous soils

Key Identification Features:

• A very small brown shell, slightly higher than wide
• Whorls convex with regular elevated, radial ridges which are drawn out into spines at the periphery
• Mouth circular

Red list status:

• Near threatened (nt).

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

iNaturalist: Acanthinula aculeata at iNaturalist World Species Observations database.

GBIF data for Acanthinula aculeata | Classification: Gastropoda, Stylommatophora, Valloniidae, Acanthinula

Thumbnails for genus Acanthinula