Desmoulin’s Whorl Snail Vertigo moulinsiana

Desmoulin’s Whorl Snail (Vertigo moulinsiana) is a tiny but legally protected snail of tall, lush fen vegetation – particularly greater pond-sedge and reed sweet-grass – in base-rich, permanently wet habitats. Despite its minute size, it is a species of European importance, protected under the Habitats Directive. Suffolk’s Waveney Valley fens are among the most important sites for this species in Britain, supporting substantial populations in high-quality fen meadow and tall-herb fen. Maintaining appropriate water levels, preventing scrub encroachment, and managing fen vegetation through traditional cutting are essential to its long-term survival in the county. Image: © Maëlan ADAM, iNaturalist.

Find out more: iNaturalist, JNCC – Species description