Land snail

A land snail is any of the many types of snail that live on land, unlike sea snails or freshwater snails. These snails have shells on their backs, but some shell-less land snails are called slugs. Some land snails can live in both land and water, which can make it hard to know where they belong.

Land snails learned to live on land in many different ways over time. Most land snails are called pulmonates because they have a lung and breathe air. Others have gills and a special covering called an operculum. One big group of these snails, the Cyclophoroidea, has thousands of types and likes to live in damp places like moss.

Land snails have a strong foot that helps them crawl. They make mucus to move over rough places and stay wet. They also have a mantle, tentacles on their heads, and a special tongue-like organ called a radula. Many land snails can have both male and female parts and lay eggs in the soil. Baby snails hatch with a tiny shell that grows as they get bigger.

Land snails are eaten by many animals, and people in some places eat them too. In those places, land snails are sometimes farmed just for food.

Biology

Land snails move by gliding on a muscular foot that is covered in mucus. This mucus helps them slide smoothly and keeps their bodies from drying out. As they move, muscles push them forward. Snails are known for moving very slowly.

Most land snails have a hard shell that protects their soft bodies. The shell is made mostly of calcium carbonate and grows as the snail grows. Inside the shell, snails have organs like a lung, heart, kidney, and intestines. Only the head and foot come out of the shell when the snail is active. Some snails can close their shell with a door-like cover called an operculum.

Land snails come in many sizes. The giant African snail can grow up to 30 cm, while some tiny species are less than a millimeter across. Most have tentacles on their heads with eyes on the upper pair and smell with the lower pair. They eat different foods, like plants or sometimes other snails, depending on the species.

Human food

Further information: Snails as food

Land snails have been eaten for thousands of years. People in North Africa and the Mediterranean region have eaten them. Snails give us good nutrients, like calcium, vitamin B₁, and amino acids. They have few calories and fat. Snail farming, called heliciculture, has brought snails to new places.

In many parts of the world, land snails are a favorite food. In West Africa, such as Ghana, snails are a special treat. In Europe, France likes to eat snails, called escargots, in their shells with butter. Portugal and Spain also cook snails in many tasty ways. Snails are enjoyed in many cultures, showing they have been important food for a long time.

Prevention and control

Main article: Molluscicide

Some substances like Metaldehyde and iron phosphate can help stop snails from causing trouble. Also, copper can be used as a barrier because it makes it hard for them to pass through.