Locomotion is by monotaxic, direct, compression waves on the sole. On C. hortensis each wave is almost as wide as the sole, leaving only a narrow strip along each side that is not involved in the muscular waves. When travelling on glass, 3 or 4 transverse waves at a time may be discerned as slightly darker bands moving forwards on the sole. The bands are concave and raised slightly from the substrate but filled with mucus. Though faint, their movement makes them more obvious when seen in action.
The specimen in the image is starting to move and has a single wave across the anterior (1 to 1). Other waves will arise behind it as the snail moves.
Copious mucus is exuded by the foot to provide a film for it to move over. The sole and underside of the head in this image are on a mucus film. It can be seen glistening on the posterior half of the sole, and its U shape edge under the front of the head is distinct.