Garden snails hibernating on tree. Note the hole in one shell; this damage was likely caused by a bird pecking the shell. For a simple common garden snail, this species has caused a lot of heated taxonomic controversy and disagreement; originally classified as Helix aspersa, now many taxonomists prefer Cornu aspersum, but others Cantareus aspersus or Cryptomphalus aspersus. Who says taxonomy is boring...?
Location: Aberlady, East Lothian, Scotland, United Kingdom
Photographer: Jason Gilchrist
![Hibernating garden snails](https://amazon.clikpic.com/JasonGilchrist/images/garden_snails-Cornu_aspersum-Helix__aspersa-hibernating-tree-Cornu_aspersum-Helix_aspersa-Aberlady-Scotland_1.jpg)