Many people are familiar with the garden snail, which travels slowly through gardens and other vegetation. These little but intriguing creatures belong to the mollusk family, which is distinguished by their slimy trails and coiled shells. Garden snails have distinctive characteristics that make them fascinating to study and observe despite their unassuming exterior.
These snails are not your typical garden pests. They are vital to the ecosystem because they break down plant matter that has decomposed and support the health of the soil. Certain snail species can even be added to aquariums by hobbyists in order to aid with algae removal and tank balancing.
Learning more about garden snails can help you understand their significance in both the natural world and your own backyard, whether you’re an experienced snail enthusiast or you’re just interested in these fascinating creatures.
Topic | Details |
Habitat | Found in gardens, fields, and sometimes aquariums |
Diet | Eats plants, vegetables, and fruits |
Lifespan | Typically lives 2-5 years |
Size | Grows up to 1.5 inches in shell length |
Behavior | Active mostly at night; slow-moving |
Reproduction | Lays eggs in soil; both sexes can reproduce |
A variety of garden snails
The most common ground belly mollusks are garden snails (ordinary). The most famous types of garden snails will be described below. Grape snail. Age can reach 8 years or more. The period of its activity lasts from spring until the start of frosts, after which Mollusk goes into hibernation. The main diet of the vineyard is plant food. And you can meet a representative of this species in the grass, on bushes, trees, grape leaves. Common amber — the owner of a translucent shell, reminiscent of amber. It lives in humid areas. Can be in water. The lifespan of this mollusk is short: 13 – 17 months. Capei — large representatives of the species. The shells of such mollusks are 16 by 20 mm in size., and the head and leg of some of their species are translucent. Active deforestation and increased interest of collectors in the shells of such snails have put their population on the brink of survival, so in many countries they are protected by law. Wood varianta is distinguished by a spherical shell and smoothed curls. Its color can vary from light yellow to dark brown with small spots and strokes. Shiny snail is a steppe species of mollusks that live in dry meadows, forest edges and bushes. The shell has a spherical shape and four curls. The color is white or slightly yellowish. Bush snail is distinguished by a large round shell, the color of which can be gray, red-brown or even blue-black. Its natural habitat is damp forest edges, meadows, fields. The mollusk"s diet is exclusively plant-based, and it hibernates in October. Cepaea sylvatica from the genus Cepaea is the rarest garden snail. It lives in the northern and central parts of the European continent. In Russia, these mollusks are found in the Kaliningrad and Leningrad regions. At the same time, they prefer warm, sun-warmed places. The diet of this mollusk includes lichen, detritus, and some types of mushrooms. It lays eggs in the ground.
House for snails
If you only plan to observe the snails for a short time, after which they will return to their "native places", it is enough to equip a suitable container with ventilation holes for air access. You can use a plastic container or a glass jar with holes in the lid. You can cover the neck with a piece of gauze, which can be conveniently secured with a rubber band. If you plan to keep the garden snail for more than 3-4 days, it is advisable to place it in a spacious container with a volume of at least 19 liters. There the mollusk will be able to move freely, as it is already accustomed to in the natural environment.
To accommodate multiple snails, a large terrarium is required.
With their slow, deliberate movements adding a touch of charm, garden snails are low-maintenance, fascinating creatures that can be a unique addition to your aquarium. They clean your aquarium naturally by feeding on algae and plant debris.
Terrarium arrangement
How should garden snails be kept in captivity? They need soil first and foremost so they can hide if necessary. The substrate’s humidity level should be such that applying pressure causes no water to leak out. Using soil from the location where the snail was removed is preferable. To allow the mollusk to fully bury itself in the soil, there should be enough untreated layer of soil.
Flower soil is not suitable for creating a terrarium substrate. It contains chemical additives that are harmful to mollusks. Sphagnum moss, vermiculite, compost or peat are good as a soil cover. They absorb and retain moisture well, which prevents the substrate from drying out. Such conditions for keeping garden snails correspond as much as possible to natural ones, which contributes to their normal life. An untreated snag or branch placed in a terrarium will greatly help the garden snail feel “at home”. The mollusk will always be able to find shelter under it in case it senses danger. It also likes to hide in damp fallen leaves and spends most of its time in such a “shelter”. Do not forget to put a lid on the terrarium. A wild garden snail is no less inquisitive than a domestic one, so it quickly crawls out of any uncovered container. A blow to the floor when falling often ends with chips and cracks on the shell.
Nutrition
At home, what do garden snails eat? They typically consume plant parts that are rotten. However, they accept leaves and green grass. Mature mollusks have no problem consuming berries and ripe fruits. For those who wish to bring garden snails home, the question of what to feed them will therefore not be too difficult. It is well known that most gastropods are herbivores. However, they can also consume worms, insect larvae, and unintentionally cracked chicken eggs.
A garden snail kept in its home should eat mostly natural foods. The food must be juicy and natural at the same time. A wild mollusk needs calcium and protein in its diet, but it will not turn down fresh dandelion leaves, strawberries, or plantains. Sepia-based additives, such as crushed eggshell powder or feed chalk, work well.
However, because regular school chalk contains so many chemical additives, it is not recommended to use it.
The garden snail is fed once every day. When it awakens from its daytime slumber in the evening, food is presented to it.
Despite their apparent simplicity, garden snails are important members of the ecosystem. There’s plenty to admire about these sluggish mollusks, whether you’re looking at them in your garden or thinking of keeping one in a terrarium.
They require little upkeep, are easy to take care of, and can be fascinating to watch as they investigate their surroundings. But if you have a garden, you should control their presence carefully because they can harm plants.
All things considered, garden snails serve as a reminder to slow down and enjoy the little things in life by providing an insight into the peaceful, hidden world of nature. These little creatures captivate the attention of everyone, be it an aquarium enthusiast or a gardener.