The fungus hibernates in the soil and enters through broken or injured roots, hence care should be taken when removing the bulbs that the roots are injured as little as possible.

The female always hibernates, but the male may be seen abroad at all seasons.

In winter it hibernates, concealing itself in some hollow or cavern.

Helix hibernates in a torpid condition for about four months, and during this period the aperture of the shell is closed by a calcareous membrane secreted by the foot.