Description: A slightly globular, strongly depressed shell of 5-6 whorls. Whorls convex with shallow sutures, slightly angled at the periphery. Umbilicus moderately wide. Mouth nearly circular with a white internal rib and with joined to the preceding whorl at an obtuse angle. Surface white to yellow-brown, opaque with strong, irregular radial ribbing and marked with dark spiral bands and blotches. Widespread in dry pasture and dunes. 7-12 mm.

World Distribution: The natural range of this species is Mediterranean and it is an early introduction to northern Europe, where it occurs mainly in countries bordering the North Sea.

Irish Distribution: Common on the southern part of the central plain but elsewhere (and off the limestone) exclusively coastal, in dunes etc.

Ecology:

• A xerothermic species requiring dry, fairly warm conditions
• Found widely on coastal dunes, also on dry field margins, waste places and quarries inland

Key Identification Features:

• A slightly globular, strongly depressed shell of 5-6 whorls
• Whorls convex with shallow sutures
• Shell moderately strong, opaque, coloured white to yellow-brown with dark spiral bands and blotches
• Whorls slightly shouldered often with a pale streak along the periphery
• Mouth nearly circular, meeting the next whorl at an obtuse angle
• Surface with strong regular radial ribbing

Red list status:

• Least concern (lc).

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

iNaturalist: Xeroplexa intersecta at iNaturalist World Species Observations database.

GBIF data for Xeroplexa intersecta | Classification: Gastropoda, Stylommatophora, Geomitridae, Xeroplexa

Thumbnails for genus Xeroplexa