Polygyra cereolus

Southern Flatcoil

A small, flat-shelled land snail that feeds on decaying plant matter, often found in leaf litter or shaded soil.

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Additional species gallery photo for Southern Flatcoil (Polygyra cereolus) in miniBIOTA.

Identity & Origin +

Common Name: Southern Flatcoil
Scientific Name: Polygyra cereolus
Realm: Terrestrial
Biome: Lakeshore, Lowland Meadow, Mangrove Forest
Date First Introduced: April 22, 2024

Population Dynamics +

Current Estimated Population: Approximately five were last estimated after a larger historical introduction; current distribution across Lakeshore, Lowland Meadow, and Mangrove Forest remains unresolved.
Population Status: Uncertain
Carrying Capacity Status: Below Capacity
Date Last Observed: November 02, 2025

Section Notes

A large 2025 restoration/introduction added 100+ Southern Flatcoil snails. One Caribbean Hermit Crab feeding event was observed the next day; later decline is plausible but not resolved to a single cause. Current population remains uncertain.

Trophic Ecology +

Trophic Level: Primary Consumer
Feeding Niche / Method: Grazing
Dietary Inputs: Herbivore or detritivore
Known Predators: Caribbean Hermit Crab & Mangrove Tree Crab

Section Notes

These snails seemed to only eat young Dutch white clover leaves and did so until the plant was wiped out.

Environmental Tolerances +

Life Cycle & Reproduction +

System Reproduction Status: Confirmed Breeding
Growth Rate: Slow

Section Notes

[10/30/2025] One small snail was spotted on the glass of the grassland habitat. It looks like it's the offspring of the original group of snails I added.

These snails were able to reproduce in miniBIOTA in small numbers. Their species has been in sharp decline and might be lost.

Ecological Role & Symbiosis +

Ecological Role: Detritivore

Section Notes

Does not seem to thrive in miniBIOTA

Brackish / Mangrove

A salt-influenced forest zone where mangrove roots, leaf litter, crabs, and terrestrial detritivores build the boundary between freshwater and marine sides.