Roman snail (Helix pomatia)

Short answers

Roman snail: How big does the enclosure need to be?

Approx. 30×20×20 cm (a small group); floor area matters more than height.

Roman snail: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 18–22 °C, at night 12–18 °C.

Roman snail: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: No UVB needed (crepuscular/nocturnal); only a day/night rhythm and room lighting.

Roman snail: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: 6–8 years in captivity (individual cases considerably older).

Roman snail: Is it suitable for beginners?

Yes – it is considered suitable for beginners (difficulty: Beginner).

Climate

Daytime temperature

18–22 °C

Night temperature

12–18 °C

Basking spot

—

Humidity

70–85 %

UVB

No UVB needed (crepuscular/nocturnal); only a day/night rhythm and room lighting

Enclosure

Minimum size

approx. 30×20×20 cm (a small group); floor area matters more than height

Substrate

Unfertilised, lime-rich soil or coco humus, several cm deep for burying; damp, without waterlogging

Feeding

Food

Wild herbs (dandelion), lettuce (not iceberg), cucumber, courgette, carrot, fruit; a cuttlebone as a calcium source is essential

Feeding interval

Fresh food daily (mainly in the evening); always offer a calcium source

Key facts

Adult size

shell 4–5 cm

Life expectancy

6–8 years in captivity (individual cases considerably older)

Origin

Central and south-eastern Europe

Protection status

Specially protected in Germany (Species Protection Ordinance Annex 1; Habitats Directive Annex V). Taking, catching and killing them in the wild is prohibited (§44 of the Federal Nature Conservation Act) – keep only legal captive-bred animals.

Brumation

Yes – a winter rest or cold dormancy of about 3–5 months at 5–10 °C (an earth cellar or fridge); important for health and reproduction. The snail seals its shell with a calcareous lid (an epiphragm).

Cohabitation

Group keeping is straightforward and recommended – sociable hermaphrodites with no territoriality; just mind the stocking density, calcium and food supply.

Notes

Keep it cool – heat build-up, permanent warmth and dryness are the main mistakes. A gauze lid for ventilation. Buy captive-bred animals only (wild collection is illegal). A lack of calcium = a soft, brittle shell.

Do you keep this species?

Add your animal to Reptoria – Reptoria reminds you about feeding and shedding. Add your animal for free →

Look for Roman snail (Helix pomatia) in the marketplace →

Related species

• Turkish snail (Helix lucorum) – Beginner
• Giant African land snail (Lissachatina immaculata) – Beginner
• Flame land snail (Limicolaria flammea) – Beginner
• Garden snail (Cornu aspersum) – Beginner
• Giant African land snail (Lissachatina fulica) – Beginner
• Giant West African land snail (Archachatina marginata) – Beginner
• Cuban land snail (Caracolus sagemon) – Intermediate
• Giant land snail (Megalobulimus oblongus) – Intermediate

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Roman snail (Helix pomatia) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (approx. 30×20×20 cm (a small group); floor area matters more than height), substrate (Unfertilised, lime-rich soil or coco humus, several cm deep for burying; damp, without waterlogging), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.