Helix Hortensis is the scientific name of the garden snail, a species belonging to the family Helicidae. It is a mollusk known for its coiled, spiral-shaped shell, which is usually brown or gray in color. This species of snail is found in gardens, forests, and other habitats across Europe, particularly in countries with temperate climates.
The Helix Hortensis has a soft body that is protected by its shell. It moves primarily by using its muscular foot, leaving behind a characteristic slime trail as it crawls. These snails are herbivorous, feeding on a variety of plant matter such as leaves, fruits, and flowers. Due to their feeding habits, they are often considered pests as they can cause damage to crops and gardens.
The reproduction of Helix Hortensis involves the fertilization of eggs internally. After mating, the snail lays spherical-shaped eggs in moist soil, which hatch into juvenile snails. Like other snails, the garden snail is hermaphroditic, meaning that individuals possess both male and female reproductive organs.
Helix Hortensis is sometimes referred to as the "common garden snail" due to its abundance in gardening environments. It has also been extensively studied in scientific research due to its easy accessibility and relatively short lifespan. Overall, Helix Hortensis is a commonly found and recognizable species of snail known for its distinctive spiral shell and herbivorous feeding habits in garden and forest ecosystems across Europe.
