A snail’s life expectancy depends on the species but is usually between 2 and 5 years. Some species can live up to 25 years in captivity.
Snails are hermaphrodites meaning they have both male and female reproductive organs. They are capable of fertilizing themselves but often times will mate with another snail to increase the chances of reproduction. The mating process can last up to 12 hours and can happen several times throughout the snail’s lifetime.
Snails typically lay their eggs in the springtime. The eggs are laid in groups of 12 to 120 and are encased in a thin jelly-like substance. It takes anywhere from 2 to 4 weeks for the eggs to hatch.
Once hatched the snail babies or “caterpillars” are independent and do not need their parents for survival. They will start to look for food and shelter and begin the process of growing into adults.
The growth process is slow and can take up to 2 years. Once they reach adulthood snails will continue to mate and lay eggs until they die.
Sources:
https://www.thesnailfarm.com/snail-facts/
https://animalcorner.co.uk/animals/giant-african-land-snails/
How long does a common garden snail live?
2 to 5 years
How long does a giant African land snail live?
10 to 20 years
How long do wild snails live?
1 to 3 years
How long does a pet snail live?
2 to 8 years
How long does a snail live in captivity?
2 to 5 years
What factors affect a snail’s lifespan?
Diet environment and predators
How does diet affect a snail’s lifespan?
A snail’s diet can affect its lifespan because if a snail does not have enough calcium it will not be able to build a strong shell.
How does the environment affect a snail’s lifespan?
The environment can affect a snail’s lifespan because if the environment is too dry the snail will not be able to reproduce.
What predators affect a snail’s lifespan?
Snails are affected by predators such as birds mammals and other invertebrates.
How long does a snail live if it is not eaten by a predator?
If a snail is not eaten by a predator it can live for 2 to 5 years.
How long does a snail live if it is eaten by a predator?
If a snail is eaten by a predator it will die.
How long does a snail live if it is not eaten and has a good diet?
If a snail is not eaten and has a good diet it can live for 10 to 20 years.
How long does a snail live if it is not eaten and has a bad diet?
If a snail is not eaten and has a bad diet it can live for 1 to 3 years.
How long does a snail live if it is not eaten and lives in a good environment?
If a snail is not eaten and lives in a good environment it can live for 2 to 8 years.
How long does a snail live if it is not eaten and lives in a bad environment?
If a snail is not eaten and lives in a bad environment it can live for 1 to 3 years.
