Land Snails of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park (Eastern Region)

• Information and measurements are for adult shells only.
  
  
• How to use this key:
  • This snail key was developed to be straightforward and easy to use.
  • To begin the identification of a snail, follow the steps below.
  • If you move through the key but are unable to positively identify the snail, go back and reconsider the shape of the shell.
  • (Record all observations)

• Shape
  
  • Determine the general shape of the shell (see Shell Shape). Shapes of shells can sometimes vary considerably within the same species and even within the same population.
    
• Diameter
  
  • Determine the diameter (this will be the height in pupa shape shells). Note: Measurements represent a range of sizes from each group of shells. Sizes will sometimes vary outside the ranges given in species accounts.
    
• Whorls
  
  • Determine the number of whorls.
    
• Umbilicus
  
  • Look at the umbilicus and determine whether it is: imperforate, perforate, umbilicate, or rimate.
    
• Teeth
  
  • Make note of any presence or absence of teeth in the aperture , their size and spatial arrangement.
    
• Spiral Striae
  
  • To determine if spiral striae exist, examine shell surface under strong lens or scope.