There are many differences between snails and slugs but the most notable difference is their shells. Snails have a hardshell that they carry around with them while slugs have a soft body and no shell. This difference in shells affects the way these creatures move and what they eat.
Snails move by gliding along on their foot which is a fleshy muscular foot that is attached to the bottom of their shell. This foot is covered in a slime that helps the snail move and also protects it from predators. Slugs on the other hand have a foot that is not attached to a shell and they move by rippling the muscles in their foot. This foot also secretes a slime but it is not as thick as the snail’s slime.
Snails and slugs both eat plants but snails also eat smaller creatures like insects. Slugs have a rasping tongue that they use to eat plants. Snails have a radula which is a tongue-like organ that is covered in tiny teeth. This radula is used to scrape algae off of rocks and other surfaces.
The shells of snails also provide them with protection from the sun and from drying out. When it is hot or dry snails can retreat into their shells and close the opening with a trapdoor-like operculum. Slugs do not have this operculum so they cannot close themselves off from the sun and they are more likely to dry out.
Snails are found in a variety of habitats all over the world while slugs are most commonly found in moist environments. This is because snails need their shells to protect them from drying out and the humidity helps keep their bodies moist. Slugs can survive in drier environments because they do not have a shell to protect.
There are many other differences between snails and slugs but these are some of the most notable ones. So next time you see a slimy creature crawling around in your garden you’ll know whether it’s a snail or a slug!
How are snails and slugs different?
Snails have a shell while slugs don’t have a shell.
Snails are also generally much slower than slugs.
What does a snail’s shell do?
The snail’s shell is used for protection from predators and the elements.
How does a slug move?
Slugs move by contracting and relaxing their muscular foot.
What do slugs eat?
Slugs are herbivorous so they eat plants.
Where do snails live?
Snails live in a variety of places including in the sea in trees and on the ground.
Do all snails have shells?
No not all snails have shells.
Some snails have lost their shells while others never had shells to begin with.
How big can a snail get?
The biggest recorded snail was 15 inches long and weighed two pounds.
How long do snails live?
The average lifespan of a snail is 5 to 7 years but some snails have been known to live up to 25 years.
What is the difference between a snail and a slug?
Snails have a shell while slugs don’t have a shell.
Snails are also generally much slower than slugs.
What is the difference between a snail and a slug?
Snails have a shell while slugs don’t have a shell.
Snails are also generally much slower than slugs.
What is the difference between a snail and a slug?
Snails have a shell while slugs don’t have a shell.
Snails are also generally much slower than slugs.
What is the difference between a snail and a slug?
Snails have a shell while slugs don’t have a shell.
Snails are also generally much slower than slugs.
What is the difference between a snail and a slug?
Snails have a shell while slugs don’t have a shell.
Snails are also generally much slower than slugs.
What is the difference between a snail and a slug?
Snails have a shell while slugs don’t have a shell.
Snails are also generally much slower than slugs.
What is the difference between a snail and a slug?
Snails have a shell while slugs don’t have a shell.
Snails are also generally much slower than slugs.
