Zebrina detrita

Zebrina detrita is adapted to warm and dry habitats. It can be found in gardens, industrial wastelands, on railway embankments and in dry meadows. Its area of distribution is Central Europe, Southern Europe and the Near East.

All the photos in this article were taken in my allotment garden, where the snails are allowed to spread freely. I have not noticed Zebrina detrita as a vegetable pest, nor have I observed any mass reproduction.

Zebra Snail Zebrina detrita
Zebrina detrita is called Zebra Snail or White Tower Snail in Germany.

This snail does not seem to have a popular English name, in Germany it is called Zebra Snail and White Tower Snail. It is not related to the Zebra Snail (Asolene spixii), which is popular in aquaristics.

The shell of Zebrina detrita can grow up to 25 millimetres long and reach a diameter of 12 millimetres. It is sexually mature from the age of 2 and can live for over 5 years.

White Tower Snail

It feeds on detritus, i.e. withering or dying plant parts. Breeding takes place in spring and/or late summer.

During the hot summer weeks with little rain, Zebrina detrita can take a dry rest. It spends this time on branches, grasses or other plant parts.

Zebrina detrita on Ribwort Plantain.
Zebrina detrita during dry rest on the inflorescence of Ribwort Plantain.
Young Zebra Snail on the branch of a fig tree
A young Zebra Snail on the branch of a fig tree.

Categories: Land Snails | Molluscs