Romania #1885 (1966) – Great Pond Snail (Lymnaea stagnalis)

The Great Pond Snail, scientifically known as Lymnaea stagnalis, is a species of freshwater snail that belongs to the family Lymnaeidae. This species of snail is widespread and found in various freshwater habitats across Europe, Asia, and parts of North America. Here are some key characteristics and information about the Great Pond Snail:

1. Distribution: Lymnaea stagnalis is widely distributed across Europe, Asia, and parts of North America. It can be found in a variety of freshwater habitats, including ponds, lakes, slow-moving rivers, marshes, and ditches.
2. Size: These snails are relatively large compared to many other freshwater snail species. Their shells can grow to be 3 to 6 centimeters in length.
3. Shell: The shell of the Great Pond Snail is typically brown or greenish-brown and often has a conical shape. The number of whorls can vary, but they generally have a tall, elongated spiral structure. The aperture (the opening of the shell) is large and oval.
4. Habitat: Great Pond Snails are highly adaptable and can thrive in a wide range of freshwater habitats, including those with still or slow-moving water. They are often found in aquatic vegetation and submerged plants.
5. Feeding: These snails are herbivores and graze on algae, detritus, and plant material. They have a radula, a specialized feeding organ, which they use to scrape and consume food particles from the substrate and vegetation.
6. Behavior: Great Pond Snails are primarily active at night (nocturnal) and during periods of low light. During the day or when they detect disturbances, they may retreat into their shells for protection.
7. Reproduction: These snails are hermaphroditic, meaning each individual possesses both male and female reproductive organs. They engage in copulation, exchanging sperm to fertilize their eggs. After mating, they lay their eggs in jelly-like masses attached to submerged vegetation.
8. Ecological Role: Great Pond Snails play a role in nutrient cycling in freshwater ecosystems. They help control algal growth by grazing on algae and detritus, and they serve as a food source for various aquatic predators, including birds and fish.
9. Environmental Indicators: These snails are sometimes used as environmental indicators in water quality assessments because their abundance and health can reflect the conditions of their freshwater habitat.

The Great Pond Snail is an important part of freshwater ecosystems, contributing to both nutrient cycling and the diets of various aquatic organisms. Its adaptability to different freshwater environments makes it a common and widespread species in many regions.