17 Types of Snails in Georgia: Complete Identification Guide for Native and Invasive Species

Georgia harbors over 200 documented gastropod species, yet most residents encounter only a fraction of these fascinating mollusks in their daily lives.

Whether you’re exploring wetlands, tending your garden, or simply curious about the shelled creatures you’ve spotted, understanding the types of snails in Georgia opens a window into the state’s rich biodiversity and evolving ecosystems.

You’ll discover both native species that have thrived here for millennia and invasive newcomers that pose significant ecological challenges.

This guide reveals the distinctive characteristics, habitats, and ecological roles of 17 key snail species across Georgia’s diverse landscapes—from the mountains to the coast.

Land Snails of Georgia

White-lipped Snail (Cepaea hortensis)

The white-lipped snail stands out with its distinctive pale rim around the shell opening, creating an unmistakable identification feature. You’ll find these European natives in gardens, parks, and disturbed habitats throughout Georgia’s urban and suburban areas.

Key Identification Features:

• Shell diameter: 12-20mm
• Yellow to brown shell with dark bands
• Prominent white lip around aperture
• Globular, dome-shaped shell

These adaptable mollusks prefer areas with adequate calcium sources, often clustering around limestone walls, concrete structures, or compost piles. During dry periods, you’ll notice them sealing their shell openings with a translucent membrane to conserve moisture.

Habitat Callout: White-lipped snails thrive in human-modified environments but rarely venture into pristine natural areas, making them excellent indicators of habitat disturbance.

Brown-lipped Snail (Cepaea nemoralis)

Closely related to the white-lipped snail, the brown-lipped variety displays remarkable shell pattern diversity. You might encounter individuals with solid yellow shells or others decorated with up to five distinct dark bands arranged in various combinations.

Distinguishing Characteristics:

• Brown or dark-colored lip around shell opening
• Highly variable banding patterns
• Shell height: 15-25mm
• Active during humid conditions

The brown-lipped snail’s polymorphism serves as natural camouflage across different microhabitats. Research from the University of Georgia demonstrates how these color variants help populations adapt to varying predation pressures and thermal conditions.

Glossy Pillar (Cochlicopa lubrica)

This diminutive native species often goes unnoticed due to its small size and secretive habits. The glossy pillar snail represents one of Georgia’s most widespread terrestrial gastropods, inhabiting leaf litter and decaying organic matter.

Physical Description:

• Shell length: 4-6mm
• Elongated, bullet-shaped shell
• Glossy brown coloration
• Smooth shell surface without ridges

You’ll typically find glossy pillars in moist forest floors, especially under fallen logs or among decomposing leaves. Their feeding behavior helps accelerate nutrient cycling in forest ecosystems, breaking down organic matter that larger decomposers cannot process efficiently.

Tampa Tigersnail (Anguispira fergusoni)

Endemic to the southeastern United States, the Tampa tigersnail showcases intricate shell patterns resembling tiger stripes. This native species demonstrates the remarkable diversity of Georgia’s gastropod fauna.

Notable Features:

• Shell diameter: 15-20mm
• Distinctive spiral banding pattern
• Flattened, disc-like shell shape
• Reddish-brown base color with darker markings

Tampa tigersnails occupy specialized microhabitats within hardwood forests, particularly areas with rich humus layers and stable moisture conditions. Their population distributions often indicate ecosystem health and habitat connectivity.

Southern Flatcoil (Polygyra cereolus)

The southern flatcoil represents Georgia’s native flatcoil snail species, distinguished by its tightly wound spiral shell and preference for upland forest habitats. These snails play crucial roles in calcium cycling within forest ecosystems.

Identification Points:

• Shell diameter: 6-8mm
• Tightly coiled, nearly flat shell
• Pale brown to gray coloration
• Prominent shell ridges (costae)

Southern flatcoils demonstrate remarkable site fidelity, with populations often restricted to specific forest patches for generations. Their presence indicates stable, mature forest conditions.

Decollate Snail (Rumina decollata)

Introduced from the Mediterranean region, decollate snails have established populations in parts of Georgia, particularly around urban areas and agricultural zones. These predatory snails consume other gastropods, including pest species.

Distinctive Traits:

• Conical, elongated shell
• Adult shells often truncated (decollated) at tip
• Length: 20-35mm when fully grown
• Carnivorous feeding behavior

Decollate snails exhibit unique predatory behavior among Georgia’s gastropod community. They actively hunt other snails and slugs, using their radula (feeding organ) to rasp through prey shells. Agricultural research from the Georgia Department of Agriculture has documented their effectiveness in controlling certain pest snail populations.

Rosy Wolfsnail (Euglandina rosea)

Native to the southeastern United States, the rosy wolfsnail represents Georgia’s largest predatory land snail. These formidable hunters can reach impressive sizes while maintaining remarkable stealth during nocturnal hunts.

Physical Characteristics:

• Shell length: 35-75mm
• Elongated, cone-shaped shell
• Pinkish to salmon-colored shell
• Smooth, glossy shell surface

Behavioral Adaptations:

• Primarily nocturnal activity
• Follows slime trails of prey species
• Can consume snails nearly their own size
• Exhibits cannibalistic tendencies

Ecological Impact Callout: Rosy wolfsnails serve as natural population regulators, preventing any single snail species from dominating local ecosystems through their selective predation patterns.

Rosy wolfsnails demonstrate sophisticated hunting strategies, following chemical trails left by potential prey. Their presence often correlates with diverse gastropod communities, as they help maintain species balance through selective predation.

Freshwater Snails of Georgia

Striate Button Snail (Ventridens ligera)

This native species inhabits Georgia’s freshwater systems, particularly slow-moving streams and pond margins. The striate button snail’s small size belies its ecological importance in aquatic food webs.

Key Features:

• Shell diameter: 3-5mm
• Flattened, button-like appearance
• Fine striations across shell surface
• Translucent to pale brown coloration

Striate button snails serve as important indicators of water quality, as their populations respond sensitively to pollution and habitat modifications. You’ll find them grazing on algae and detritus in shallow water areas with sandy or muddy substrates.

Eastern Mudsnail (Lithoglyphus naticoides)

The eastern mudsnail represents one of Georgia’s native aquatic gastropods, though its populations have declined in many areas due to habitat modification and competition from invasive species.

Identification Criteria:

• Shell height: 4-7mm
• Conical, spiral shell shape
• Dark brown to black coloration
• Operculum (trap door) present

These snails prefer muddy substrates in slow-moving water bodies, where they feed on organic matter and microorganisms. Their burrowing behavior helps aerate sediments, contributing to overall aquatic ecosystem health.

Fossaria Snail (Fossaria spp.)

Multiple Fossaria species inhabit Georgia’s freshwater environments, creating identification challenges even for experienced malacologists. These native pond snails demonstrate remarkable adaptability across various aquatic habitats.

General Characteristics:

• Shell height: 8-15mm
• Pointed, spiral shell
• Thin, fragile shell structure
• Left-handed (sinistral) shell coiling in some species

Common Species in Georgia:

1. Fossaria parva – Smallest species, prefers temporary pools
2. Fossaria modicella – Medium-sized, found in permanent water bodies
3. Fossaria obrussa – Largest species, inhabits lakes and large ponds

Fossaria snails play crucial roles as primary consumers in aquatic ecosystems, converting algae and detritus into biomass available to higher trophic levels.

Ramshorn Snail (Planorbella spp.)

Georgia hosts several native ramshorn snail species, recognizable by their distinctive flat, coiled shells resembling miniature rams’ horns. These gastropods inhabit various freshwater environments throughout the state.

Distinguishing Features:

• Flat, disc-shaped shell
• Coiled in single plane
• Shell diameter: 8-25mm depending on species
• Left-handed shell coiling

Ecological Roles:

• Algae control in aquatic systems
• Detritus processing
• Food source for fish and waterfowl
• Substrate aeration through movement

Native ramshorn snails face increasing pressure from invasive species and habitat modification. Conservation efforts by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources focus on protecting critical wetland habitats essential for their survival.

Bladder Snail (Physa spp.)

Bladder snails represent one of Georgia’s most successful native gastropod groups, with multiple species occupying diverse freshwater habitats from mountain streams to coastal marshes.

Common Identification Features:

• Left-handed (sinistral) shell coiling
• Thin, translucent shell
• Shell height: 6-20mm
• Pointed spire

Habitat Preferences:

• Still or slow-moving water
• Abundant aquatic vegetation
• Organic-rich sediments
• pH range: 6.5-8.5

These adaptable snails demonstrate remarkable reproductive success, with some species capable of self-fertilization. Their ability to survive in various water conditions makes them valuable indicators of aquatic ecosystem stability.

Invasive Species in Georgia Waters

Apple Snail (Pomacea maculata)

The spotted apple snail has emerged as one of Georgia’s most concerning aquatic invasives, threatening the state’s ecosystem balance through rapid reproduction and aggressive feeding behavior.

Identification Features:

• Large size: up to 150mm shell diameter
• Golden to brown coloration with darker spots
• Rounded, globe-shaped shell
• Prominent operculum

Environmental Impact:

• Consumption of native aquatic plants
• Competition with native gastropods
• Clogging of water control structures
• Potential disease transmission

Warning Callout: Apple snails can lay bright pink egg masses above the waterline. Never handle these eggs directly, as they may contain parasites harmful to humans.

Apple snails reproduce prolifically in Georgia’s warm climate, with females capable of laying thousands of eggs annually. Their voracious appetite for aquatic plants disrupts food webs and alters habitat structure for native species.

Chinese Mystery Snail (Cipangopaludina chinensis)

Recently detected in multiple Georgia water bodies including Lake Lanier, the Chinese mystery snail poses significant ecological and economic threats to the state’s aquatic resources.

Physical Description:

• Shell height: 40-60mm
• Banded spiral shell pattern
• Olive-green to brown coloration
• Large, prominent operculum

Ecological Concerns:

• Displacement of native snail species through competition
• Modification of sediment composition
• Alteration of nutrient cycling patterns
• Potential parasite transmission to humans

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources has issued warnings about handling these snails, as they can host intestinal parasites that pose health risks if consumed raw or undercooked.

Banded Mystery Snail (Viviparus georgianus)

Ironically named, the banded mystery snail actually represents Georgia’s native mystery snail species. However, this southeastern United States native faces increasing pressure from invasive relatives and habitat modification.

Native Species Characteristics:

• Shell height: 25-40mm
• Distinctive banding pattern
• Prefers shallow waters among aquatic plants during breeding season
• Live-bearing reproduction

Conservation Status:

• Declining populations in many watersheds
• Habitat loss due to development
• Competition from invasive congeners
• Climate change impacts on breeding cycles

Elimia Snail (Pleurocera spp.)

Georgia’s Elimia snails represent a complex group of native species with uncertain taxonomic boundaries. Historical surveys documented Pleurocera catenaria in the Ogeechee River system, though current population status remains unclear.

General Characteristics:

• Elongated, cone-shaped shells
• Shell height: 15-35mm
• Sculptured shell surface with ridges
• Restricted to specific river systems

These specialized gastropods require specific flow conditions and substrate types, making them particularly vulnerable to habitat modification. Many southeastern Pleurocera species have experienced dramatic population declines or local extinctions.

Campeloma Snail (Campeloma decisum)

The pointed campeloma represents one of Georgia’s widespread native freshwater snails, though populations vary significantly across different watersheds. Research has documented this species at Fort Stewart Army Installation in coastal Georgia.

Species Profile:

• Shell height: 15-25mm
• Conical, pointed shell shape
• Smooth shell surface
• Operculum present

Habitat Requirements:

• Soft sediments in lakes and slow rivers
• Moderate to high dissolved oxygen levels
• pH range: 7.0-8.5
• Temperature range: 10-25°C

Campeloma snails serve as important biomonitoring organisms, with their population health reflecting overall aquatic ecosystem condition. Their sensitivity to pollution makes them valuable indicators for water quality assessment programs.

Identification Tips and Best Practices

When identifying types of snails in Georgia, consider these essential factors:

Shell Characteristics:

• Size measurements (diameter and height)
• Coiling direction (left-handed vs. right-handed)
• Surface texture (smooth, ridged, or sculptured)
• Color patterns and banding

Habitat Context:

• Terrestrial vs. aquatic environments
• Specific microhabitat preferences
• Associated plant communities
• Water chemistry parameters for aquatic species

Behavioral Observations:

• Activity patterns (diurnal vs. nocturnal)
• Feeding behavior and food preferences
• Reproductive signs (egg masses, mating behavior)
• Response to environmental conditions

Safety Reminder: Always wear gloves when handling unknown snail species, particularly aquatic varieties that may harbor parasites. Never consume wild snails without proper identification and preparation.

Seasonal Considerations:

Spring and fall provide optimal conditions for snail observation, as many species increase activity during these moderate temperature periods. Summer observations may require early morning or evening timing to catch active individuals.

Documentation Methods:

1. Photograph shells from multiple angles
2. Record precise location and habitat details
3. Note associated species and environmental conditions
4. Measure specimens when possible

Conservation and Ecological Impact

Understanding Georgia’s snail diversity extends beyond simple identification—these gastropods serve as crucial ecosystem components and environmental indicators. Native species face mounting pressures from habitat loss, climate change, and invasive species competition.

Conservation Priorities:

• Protecting critical wetland and forest habitats
• Monitoring invasive species spread and impact
• Supporting research on native species ecology
• Educating the public about gastropod conservation

Ecosystem Services:

• Nutrient cycling in terrestrial and aquatic systems
• Algae control in freshwater environments
• Food web support for birds, fish, and other wildlife
• Soil formation and organic matter processing

Citizen Science Opportunities: Georgia residents can contribute to snail conservation through participation in biodiversity surveys, invasive species reporting, and habitat restoration projects. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources maintains reporting systems for invasive species sightings and encourages public involvement in conservation efforts.

The types of snails in Georgia reflect the state’s complex ecological history and ongoing environmental changes. By learning to identify these species, you contribute to a broader understanding of Georgia’s biodiversity and the challenges facing native ecosystems in an era of rapid environmental change.

Whether you encounter the tiny glossy pillar in your garden’s leaf litter or spot concerning invasive apple snail egg masses near your favorite fishing spot, each observation adds valuable data to our collective understanding of Georgia’s remarkable gastropod diversity. Your awareness and reporting help protect native species while enabling rapid response to invasive threats that could reshape the state’s aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems for generations to come.