A non-indigenous snail in the state of Israel. Just like several european species of Helicidae have been imported for food, probably since ancient times. Various species of Helix snails from Cyprus have been found in the excavation of Tel-Maresha and Uvdat with markings indicating use as food (H. K. Mienis, personal observations). Snail farms are built and in some cases encouraged by the Ministry of Agriculture as alternative agricultural practices, to produce edible snails exported to a growing market in Western Europe. The dominant species grown in such snail farms is Cornu aspersum megalostomum, which can now be collected in gardens and parks in the major cities throughout Israel.