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JEWISH SNAIL (Sphincterochila sp)

commonly known by several common names, depending on the area: caracol gypsy Jewish snail, snail edge ... Its scientific name, at least Sphincterochila gender. The copy of the photographs appears to be S. candidissima, although it is difficult to differentiate it from S. baetica.

have an approximate diameter of 2 cm and have a calcareous shell almost white and thick.

nocturnal, living mainly in arid, poor and limestone, where they feed on algae, lichens and soil.

are most active around October and March, spending the winter buried to avoid the cold and in summer on plants to avoid the heat. Close their epistome (opening of the shell) with a membrane or epifragma limestone. Are more resistant to adverse conditions of temperature and humidity than other species, which often live in areas that do not appear other snails.

usually withstand long periods (years even) at that position.

This snail, found in Sierra Espuña can be found in the western Mediterranean region and east to get to Sardinia, Sicily, mainland Italy, Malta and north of Libya.

This species is considered inedible because of its bad taste.

More information and images on these links:

• http://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sphincterochila_candidissima
• http://www.malacologia.es/index.php/gasteropodos- terrestres/123-sphincterochilidae/242-sphincterochila-candidissima-draparnaud-1801
• http://www.almediam.org/Equipo_Filabres/Moluscos_II/pagina2_002_1moluscos_terrestres_especies.html
• http://www.elrincondelmalacologo.com/Web% 20fotos% 20continentales% 202/Sphincterochilidae.htm (Family Pictures Sphincterochilidae)