Helix pomatia
Helix pomatia (pronunciation: /ˈhiːlɪks pɵˈmeɪʃiə/), also known as the Roman snail, Burgundy snail, or edible snail, is a species of large, edible, air-breathing land snail. It is a terrestrial pulmonate gastropod mollusk in the family Helicidae, which includes some of the most commonly familiar land snails.
Etymology
The name Helix is derived from the Greek word "ελιξ" (helix), which means "spiral". Pomatia is derived from the Latin word "pomum" (fruit), referring to the round shape of the snail.
Description
Helix pomatia is one of the largest species in the genus Helix, with a shell that can measure up to 50 mm in diameter and 45 mm in height. The shell is creamy-white to light brownish, often with darker brown or greyish stripes. The body of the snail is soft and slimy, greyish-brown in color, and able to retract completely into the shell when the animal is resting or threatened.
Habitat and Distribution
Helix pomatia is native to Europe, specifically in areas with a temperate climate. It is found in countries such as Germany, France, Poland, the Balkans, and parts of Russia. It prefers habitats with chalky or limestone soil, which provides the calcium necessary for the development of its shell.
Diet
The diet of Helix pomatia primarily consists of plant material, including leaves, stems, and fruits of a wide variety of plants. It is also known to consume soil and small pieces of chalk to obtain calcium for shell growth.
Reproduction
Helix pomatia is a hermaphrodite, meaning each individual has both male and female reproductive organs. During mating, both snails exchange sperm, and both can lay eggs several days later.
Culinary Use
Helix pomatia is widely known as the edible snail and is a staple in French cuisine, where it is known as escargot. It is also consumed in other European countries and is farmed commercially for the food industry.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Helix pomatia
- Wikipedia's article - Helix pomatia
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