About Rumina decollata (Linnaeus, 1758)
Scientific name: Rumina decollata (Linnaeus, 1758)
Shell description: The shell of the decollate snail is long and roughly cone-shaped. Adult shells reach approximately 40–45 mm (1.6–1.8 in) in length and 14 mm (0.55 in) in width. Once the snail reaches mature size, it grinds or chips off the end of its own shell by moving its body roughly against hard surfaces. This leaves the shell with a decollate shape, tapering to a blunt end.
Distribution: This species is native to the Mediterranean region, excluding the south-eastern Mediterranean. It was introduced to Israel and Egypt as early as Roman times. It has since been introduced into North America, including Fresno, California, Phoenix and Glendale, Arizona, and other areas. It was brought to North America as a biological control agent, released in the hopes of controlling populations of the brown garden snail. It is also found in southern Brazil and in Great Britain, where it occurs as a "hothouse alien".
