Helicacea

The superfamily Helicacea encompasses land snails that are dominant in most regions. These snails are characterized by the absence or presence of accessory glands on their genitalia. Some species within this superfamily, such as those in the family Helicidae, are edible and have been consumed by humans since prehistoric times.31

Helicacea belongs to the class Gastropoda, which includes over 65,000 species of snails and slugs found in marine, freshwater, and terrestrial environments. Gastropod classification has undergone significant revisions, with modern approaches incorporating molecular data alongside traditional anatomy. Many gastropods play a vital role in ecosystems by decomposing organic matter, contributing to nutrient cycling.23