A snail is not a crustacean. This is because a snail lacks a hard exoskeleton and jointed appendages. Crustaceans are also exclusively aquatic while snails can live in water or on land.
What is a snail?
A snail is a small soft-bodied creature that creeps along on a single large foot.
What is a crustacean?
A crustacean is a hard-shelled creature that includes lobsters crabs and shrimp.
How is a snail different from a crustacean?
A snail is soft-bodied and has a single large foot while a crustacean has a hard shell and multiple legs.
What kind of animal is a snail?
A snail is a mollusk which is a type of invertebrate.
What does a snail eat?
A snail typically grazes on algae and other plant material.
Where does a snail live?
A snail can live in a variety of habitats both terrestrial and aquatic.
How does a snail move?
A snail moves by extending and retracting its large foot.
How do snails reproduce?
Snails are hermaphrodites meaning each individual has both male and female reproductive organs.
They typically mate by exchanging sperm.
What is the lifespan of a snail?
Most snails live for 2-3 years though some species can live for up to 25 years.
Do all snails have shells?
No not all snails have shells.
Some species of snails are shell-less while others may have only a partial shell.
What is the purpose of a snail’s shell?
A snail’s shell provides protection from predators and the elements.
How do scientists study snails?
Scientists can study snails in their natural habitats or in laboratory settings.
What is the most common snail in the world?
The common garden snail (Cornu aspersum) is the most common snail in the world.
What is the largest snail in the world?
The largest snail in the world is the giant African snail (Achatina fulica) which can grow up to 20 cm in length.
What is the smallest snail in the world?
The smallest snail in the world is the Jamaican pygmy snail (Parymphaea websteri) which measures just 2 mm in length.
