A snail is a common name for a kind of mollusc. You might find them in your garden or out in the wild. They’re often seen as pests because they eat plants but some people keep them as pets. They’re very low maintenance and don’t need much looking after.
Snails and slugs are often found in the same habitats. They’re both gastropods which means they have a coiled shell on their back. The main difference is that snails can retract their head and foot into their shell but slugs can’t. This makes snails less vulnerable to predators and the elements.
Snails are hermaphrodites which means they have both male and female reproductive organs. They can mate with another snail or by themselves. The process is very long and can take up to 12 hours! Snails produce a lot of slime when they mate which helps them to find each other in the wild.
When it’s time to lay eggs the snail digs a hole in the ground and lays up to 100 eggs at a time. The eggs are white and have a jelly-like substance around them. It takes around 2-4 weeks for the eggs to hatch.
Snails are often seen as pests because they eat plants. They’re particularly fond of young tender plants. This can be a problem for gardeners who are trying to grow flowers or vegetables. Snails will also eat the leaves of trees and shrubs.
If you find a snail in your garden you can try to remove it by hand. Wearing gloves pick up the snail and put it in a bucket of soapy water. This will kill the snail. You can also try laying down a barrier of crushed eggshells or coffee grounds around your plants. The sharp edges will deter the snails from crossing over.
Some people keep snails as pets. They’re very low maintenance and don’t need much looking after. All you need to do is provide them with a suitable habitat and food. Snails are vegetarian so they can eat most vegetables and fruits. You can also buy special snail food from pet stores.
If you’re thinking of keeping a snail as a pet there are a few things you need to know. Firstly snails need a humid environment to survive. This can be created by adding a water bowl or misting the tank with water. Secondly snails need a place to hide. This can be a piece of bark a rock or a cave. Thirdly snails need a calcium-rich diet to grow their shells. This can be provided in the form of crushed eggshells or special snail food.
So is a snail a slug? Technically no. But they are often found in the same habitats and can be considered as pests.
What is a snail?
A snail is a small typically aquatic terrestrial pulmonate gastropod mollusc.
What is a slug?
A slug is a gastropod mollusc without a shell or with only a rudimentary one.
How might a snail and slug differ?
A snail has a coiled shell on its back while a slug does not.
Where do snails typically live?
Snails can live in freshwater marine or terrestrial habitats.
How long do snails live?
On average snails live 2-3 years but some species can live up to 25 years.
Do all snails have shells?
No some species of snail are shell-less.
What do snails eat?
Snails are herbivores and eat a variety of plants algae and decaying matter.
How do snails reproduce?
Most snails are hermaphrodites meaning they have both male and female reproductive organs.
How many offspring do snails have?
Snails can have anywhere from a few to several hundred offspring at a time.
What is the lifespan of a slug?
Slugs typically live 1-2 years.
What do slugs eat?
Slugs are also herbivores and eat a variety of plants algae and decaying matter.
How do slugs reproduce?
Slugs also reproduce by exchanging sperm with another individual.
How many offspring do slugs have?
Slugs typically have around 30 offspring at a time.
What is the difference between a slug and a snail?
Slugs and snails are both gastropod molluscs but slugs lack shells or have only rudimentary ones.
Do slugs and snails have the same lifespan?
No slugs typically live 1-2 years while snails can live up to 25 years.
