epiphragm
/ˈɛpɪfræm/
noun
- A thin layer or membrane that some animals, especially snails, form to seal the opening of their shell during hibernation or dry periods.
- Gardeners sometimes find an epiphragm covering the opening of a dormant snail shell.
- The epiphragm protects the snail from losing moisture while it waits for rain.
- The snail sealed itself inside its shell with an epiphragm to survive the summer drought.