Succinea, common name the amber snails, is a large genus of small, air-breathing land snails, terrestrial pulmonate gastropod molluscs in the family Succineidae. The common name refers to the fact that live snails in this genus are translucent and similar to amber in appearance.

Description

The length of the shell ranges between 9.4 –; the width ranges between 6.8 –. The dextrous, pointed ovoid shell consists of 3⅓–3½ whorls. It is thin-walled, glossy and translucent. The protoconch is very compact. The spire is short and consists mainly of a large, wide body whorl and an oval aperture with a sharp angle at the top. The deep sutures are prominent.The interior surface of the aperture is cream-colored or white. The shell is usually light brown, but may be whitish with gray or light yellow streaks. The large body cannot be completely withdrawn within the shell. The lower pair of tentacles is vestigial. The many species in this genus are difficult to distinguish. Sometimes they need dissecting to confirm identification through the shape of the jaw and character of the reproductive system.

Distribution

This large genus has a worldwide distribution. Species in this genus usually live in damp habitats such as marshes. Some species are amphibious.

Species

Species within the genus Succinea include: Additional species, taken from IUCN Red List:

Synonyms

Ecology

Parasites of Succinea spp. include: Succinea consume small plants, such as mosses and leaf litter. Succinea campestris in particular is known to live in leaf litter, and is also known to be attracted to light, an unusual characteristic in snails. In mating, the snails are hermaphrodites and mate reciprocally (both snails transfer sperm into one another). However, many have preferences in what role they take—some actively seek out mates, mounting others' shells, while others do not.