1. Helix is common terrestrial air breathing gastropod, nocturnal hibernating creature (in winter). It feeds on leafy vegetation.
2. Several species are found in Palearctic region; poorly represented in America.
3. Commonly called a garden snail.
4. Shell is thin, external and heliciform with a low conical spire, measuring 4 cm in length.
5. Shell has a smooth aperture and prominent lines of growth.
6. Body consists of head, foot and visceral hump.
7. Head comprises of two pairs of tentacles and mouth. The posterior pair of tentacles bears eyes (oculiferous).The mouth is provided with three prominent lips.
8. Anterior pair of tentacles small while posterior pair of tentacles are large which bear oculiferous eyes.
9. Genital aperture opens above the right lateral lip. The gonads contain 4-angled dart and multified digitiform glands.
10. Gills are absent, foot is undivided longitudinally and radula is well developed with several rows of curved teeth.
Source:
1. Practical Zoology Invertebrates by S.S.Lal. 2. A Manual of Practical Zoology Chordates by Dr. P.S. Verma.
