chrysalis snail

The chrysalis snail (Columella edentula) is a small terrestrial snail in the family Vertiginidae, distributed across Europe, western Asia, and parts of North America. It belongs to the vertigo snails, a group of minute land snails that inhabit moist, sheltered microhabitats including moss cushions, damp leaf litter, tussock grasses, and the bases of wetland vegetation. The chrysalis snail produces a distinctive narrow, elongated shell resembling a small chrysalis, giving rise to its common name. The shell is typically reddish-brown, glossy, and smooth, with a simple unguarded aperture — the edentula epithet meaning without teeth — distinguishing it from many related species that have tooth-like projections within the aperture. Like other Vertiginidae, chrysalis snails are associated with damp, stable habitats such as wet meadows, marshes, alder carrs, and damp woodland edges. They are sensitive to habitat desiccation and drainage, making them useful indicators of habitat condition. In Europe, populations have declined in areas where wetland drainage and improved grassland management have eliminated suitable microhabitats. The species is considered relatively widespread and is not globally threatened, though local populations may be affected by land drainage.