Gastropoda indet.

Gastropoda indet.

Higher-taxon identificationIdentified to: Class
Common name Indeterminate Gastropod
Fossil group Molluscs

Summary

This record is used for fossil snail shells that can be recognised as gastropods but cannot be assigned confidently to an order, family, genus or species. Worn, incomplete or internal-mould specimens are common reasons for retaining a class-level identification.

Quick Identification

Look for: a single shell built around a coiled axis, with successive whorls, a spire or body whorl and part of an aperture. Even incomplete shells usually retain some sign of coiling that separates them from bivalves.

Identification Features

  • The shell is a single coiled structure rather than a pair of hinged valves.
  • Successive whorls enlarge around a central coiling axis.
  • A suture line commonly marks the boundary between neighbouring whorls.
  • The final body whorl and aperture are usually larger than the earlier whorls.
  • Surface sculpture may consist of spiral cords, axial ribs, growth lines, nodes or combinations of these features.

Recorded Fossil Sites

Reculver Sand Member

Thanet Formation
Confirmed
Reculver

Thanet Formation

Montrose Group
Confirmed
Reculver

Wrabness Member

Harwich Formation
Expected / Unconfirmed
Harwich
Last Reviewed
18 August 2026 Reviewed by Sam Harris