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Snails are soft, fleshy, slug-like creatures belonging to the mollusk family. There are as many as 50,000 different species of the snail, which live on land, in lakes and streams, or in freshwater. The snail is closely related to other mollusks, including oysters, clams, and a wide variety of shellfish.
APPEARANCE
The snail body is soft and unsegmented. The body of the snail is hidden inside a flat or spiral shell or conch, which is used as a means of protection. Snails are small, ranging from .1 cm-.25 inches. Snails which reside on land have thin shells and live in moist soil. Those which live in water, carry heavy shells that they seal themselves into for many years at a time. Some land snails or "slugs," have no shell at all. One of the larger snail species in existence today is the African land snail, which can grow to up to 8-inches in length.
The snail's eyes are located at the end of long tentacles, which protrude from the head. There are two pairs of tentacles on each snail, the longer one housing the eyes. The shorter pair of tentacles is used for smelling and sensory perception.
LIFESTYLE
Both land snails and slugs are considered pests by most gardeners. Land snails often make their way into heavily farmed areas after a rain shower. A capable traveler, land snails can slither their way across areas as narrow as the edge of a piece of paper, and have been known to do serious, long term damage to green crops. Slug trails are most commonly long and continuous. Snails travel long distances, as well, but often leave a broken trail.
Freshwater snails remain on-the-move, as well, though most often, not by choice. Freshwater snails are usually carried by birds' feet, on wind blown sticks or leaves, and during rainstorms. Those freshwater snails which end up out of their natural territory are often a problem to livestock and other warm blooded animals, as this species is a host to the flatworm.
When snails are disturbed or fear danger, they pull themselves back into their shell. Once inside, the snail seals the entrance of the shell to prevent itself from drying up.
Snails are most active at night or on cloudy, high humidity days. It is rare to find a snail out while the sun is shining or during exceptionally cold weather. Snails hibernate in the ground during Winter months and find their way back to the water or a similar moist environment in late Spring.
Snails move by creeping along. A small muscle at the base of the snail acts like a foot, contracting and expanding, moving the snail forward. This small muscle on the underside of the snail produces a slimy, mucous-like material that makes a slippery trail, speeding the snail along. Despite this benefit, snails travel slowly and provide little chase for predators.
MATING HABITS
Snails court for hours before mating, often twisting themselves around each other, and covering each other with a slimy material. Once the mating process has finished, each individual snails goes in search of a place to lay its eggs. Snails lay an average of 75 eggs, a few inches into top soil. Within 2-4 weeks, the eggs hatch. Snails are rapid reproducers, breeding as often as once a month.
Natural enemies of the snail include snakes, toads, turtles, birds, and ground beetles.
EATING HABITS
Snails possess a radula, which is a rough, tongue-like organ with rows of tiny teeth. The radula is used to scrape away at leaves, flowers and other greens. Snails exist on a diet primarily of living and decaying plants, fruits, and barks.
TODAY
Snails live in abundance in many regions of the world. Thanks, in part, to their quick reproduction skills, this species has never been in any real danger of extinction. Many fish lovers use snails as a natural means of cleaning fish aquariums.
LIFESPAN
Snails live between 5 and 10 years.
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