Invertebrate · Land snail
Awl snail care guide
Subulina octona
The awl snail is a beginner-level land snail from Tropical Americas (now pantropical). Adults reach Shell 1.5–2 cm and live 1–2 years in captivity. Small, fast-breeding snail used as tropical clean-up crew alongside isopods.
- Enclosure 20 × 15 × 15 cm
- Temp 20–28°C
- Humidity 75–90%
How much does a awl snail cost in Canada?
Awl snail quick facts
- Skill level
- Beginner
- Adult size
- Shell 1.5–2 cm
- Lifespan
- 1–2 years
- Activity
- Nocturnal
- Native range
- Tropical Americas (now pantropical)
- Minimum enclosure
- 20 × 15 × 15 cm (8 × 6 × 6 in, ≈ 1 US gal)
- Housing
- A colony species – best kept in a group.
- Temperature
- 20–28°C
- Humidity
- 75–90%
- UVB
- Not needed
- Diet
- Detritivore – decaying matter, leaf litter, vegetables
- Bioactive style
- Invertebrate colony
Awl snail enclosure & bioactive setup
Give one adult at least 20 × 15 × 15 cm (8 × 6 × 6 inches). A colony species – best kept in a group. This species suits a invertebrate colony bioactive build.
- Leaf litter2 cm
- Jurassic ABG Terrarium Mix5 cm
Leaf litter is food here, not decoration – keep a thick layer topped up. Keep one side damper than the other.
Temperature: 20–28°C. Humidity: 75–90%. UVB: Not needed.
What does a awl snail eat?
Detritivore – decaying matter, leaf litter, vegetables. Keep leaf litter available and add vegetable scraps and calcium weekly.
Handling, temperament & health
Too small to handle; added to vivariums as clean-up crew.
Health watch: Calcium deficiency weakens shells.
Cleaning & maintenance schedule
Daily
- Nothing needed most days.
Weekly
- Mist the damp side; add vegetables or protein food in small amounts and remove leftovers after 24–48 h.
Monthly
- Top up leaf litter and add a calcium source (cuttlebone).
- Thin out the colony or split it if it gets crowded.
Yearly
- Replace about a third of the soil, which turns into frass over time.
Recommended for a awl snail bioactive
Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (20 × 15 × 15 cm).
Awl snail FAQ
Is the awl snail good for beginners?
Yes – the awl snail is a good choice for beginners. Too small to handle; added to vivariums as clean-up crew.
What size enclosure does a awl snail need?
At least 20 × 15 × 15 cm (about 8 × 6 × 6 inches, roughly 1 US gallons) for one adult. A colony species – best kept in a group.
How much does a awl snail cost in Canada?
Typically $15–30 CAD to buy, about $110–200 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $10–20 CAD a year to keep.
What temperature and humidity does a awl snail need?
Temperature: 20–28°C. Humidity: 75–90%.
What does a awl snail eat?
Detritivore – decaying matter, leaf litter, vegetables. Keep leaf litter available and add vegetable scraps and calcium weekly.
Similar species
This care sheet is general guidance from One Bioactive, not veterinary advice. Needs vary with age, locality and individual animals – confirm with your breeder and an exotics vet. Prices are typical Canadian ranges in CAD and change over time.