These are Cornu aspersum (Muller, 1774) aka Cantareus aspersus or Helix
aspersa. They are more variable in shell colour (and size and shape) than
some people think. I have specimens very similar to the ones in the photo
from sites in Iberia. To completely satisfy taxonomic curiosity, you would
need to sacrifice and dissect one of the specimens you have. However,
conchological features, as well as external body features (both sufficiently
well visible in the photo), clearly (I think) clinches the ID.
Alex

-----Original Message-----
From: Conchologists List [mailto:[log in to unmask]]On Behalf Of
Leslie Allen
Sent: 26 May 2006 04:35
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: UK Helix


Hi Avril
They look pretty atypical of the Helix aspersa (or whatever they are called
these days) that I have growing in my garden.

The shells seem to change a bit with the plants they are consuming... from
pot
to pot, bed to bed. ... but the key is the same old animal.

Leslie


> Hello again Conchlers,
>
> You will be receiving a few Mystery Pages from me  this evening.  Thank
you
> for your patience and your unending help.
>
> This time I have a person from the UK with a Helix that he needs some
ideas
> on.  His page can be located at:
> http://www.manandmollusc.net/Mystery_shell_pages/alan-mystery.html
>
> All the best,
> Avril Bourquin
>
> Avril Bourquin
> PO Box 366
> Invermere, B.C.
> Canada
> V0A 1K0
>
> Phone & Fax:  (250) 342-7224
> Email:  [log in to unmask]
>
> WebSites:
> http://www.manandmollusc.net
> http://www.directory.manandmollusc.net/molluscs/
>
>

----------------------------------------------------------------------
[log in to unmask] - a forum for informal discussions on molluscs
To leave this list, click on the following web link:
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=conch-l&A=1
Type your email address and name in the appropriate box and
click leave the list.
----------------------------------------------------------------------

----------------------------------------------------------------------
[log in to unmask] - a forum for informal discussions on molluscs
To leave this list, click on the following web link:
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=conch-l&A=1
Type your email address and name in the appropriate box and
click leave the list.
----------------------------------------------------------------------