THE SNAILS AND SLUGS OF THE GREEN LANES. 219 



species, about three-quarters of an inch in diameter, 

 and of a yellowish-white colour. It is abundant on 

 nettles and in moist places in the south-eastern 

 counties, especially in Kent and Sussex. The Zoned 

 snail (H. virgata, Fig. 165) is very singular in its 

 departure from the usual habits of ordinary snails. 

 It may be found on dry heaths and the Downs, 



Fig. 164. 



"Ame.l Snail (//. virgata). 



especially near the sea, where it will be found in 

 clusters on the stems of various plants. This 

 species also disappears during hot and dry weather, 

 to re-appear in such numbers after a shower that 

 some people believe it has been raining snails. It 

 will feed on insects, especially on the lady-birds, 

 but is itself cropped by sheep along with the short 

 grass where it abounds. The Heath snail (H. 

 ericetornm, Fig. 166) is of a circular, flattened form, 



