Snails, gastropods from the phylum Mollusca, inhabit diverse environments, from rainforests to oceans. They play essential roles in ecosystems by decomposing organic matter and recycling nutrients.
Snails are some of the slowest creatures on Earth, averaging a mile in 24 hours. Common garden snails move up to 50 yards per hour, while plough snails can move an inch per second.
The term "gastropod" comes from Greek words for "stomach" and "foot," describing their movement. Snails use a slimy mucus to traverse various terrains.
The Giant African Snail (Achatina fulica) can reach 7-8 inches in length and 3-4 inches in width. Originally from East Africa, it has spread worldwide through the pet trade and has become an invasive species in many areas.
Snails carry their spiral shells as mobile homes, protecting them wherever they go. These shells, made of calcium carbonate, grow with the snail and have unique patterns.
Snails' eyes are located on their tentacles, with land snails having eyes on the tips and marine snails at the base. Their vision is limited, detecting light and shadows.
Snails produce mucus to reduce friction and move smoothly across surfaces. This slimy secretion, composed of water, proteins, and sugars, also helps them stay moist.
Despite their tiny mouths, snails can have up to 20,000 microscopic teeth arranged on a radula. These teeth allow them to scrape and cut food efficiently.
Most snails have both male and female reproductive organs, allowing them to mate with any individual of their species.