Cornu aspersum (formerly known as Helix aspersa), commonly called the Garden Snail or Common Brown Snail, is one of the most widely recognised terrestrial molluscs, native to Europe and now found across many parts of the world. Its coiled, globular shell varies from light brown to yellowish with dark spiral bands, and its soft body is typically greyish. Although most individuals are smaller, under ideal conditions these snails can reach up to 4 cm in diameter.

A notable feature of the Garden Snail is its mode of movement. It secretes mucus that allows it to glide smoothly across surfaces, leaving behind a slimy trail that reduces friction. It possesses two pairs of tentacles: the longer pair, which bears the eyes at their tips, aids in vision, while the shorter pair is used for touch and smell to help navigate its surroundings.

Garden Snails thrive in moist, sheltered environments—such as gardens, woodlands, and grasslands—where they feed on a variety of plant matter including leaves, flowers, and decaying vegetation. Despite their slow movement making them vulnerable to predators, they also play an important role in ecosystems as decomposers and are culturally significant, being used in culinary dishes like French escargot.

This specimen was collected in St Ives in 12/07/1922.