Snails and slugs are hermaphroditic and have elaborate mating rituals, including simultaneous impregnation.
Snails evolve their shells throughout their lives, which serve as protection and contribute to their survival.
Snails have unique physiological adaptations like retractable eye stalks, rasping tongues, and slime production for mobility and survival in diverse environments.
Deep dives
Snail vs. Slug: The Differences and Adaptations
Snails and slugs are both gastropods, but while snails have shells, slugs either have tiny shells or no shell at all. Snails and slugs are hermaphroditic, meaning they have both male and female reproductive parts. They have elaborate mating rituals and can simultaneously impregnate each other. Snail slime, mostly water, serves various purposes such as mobility and protection. Snails can estivate, sealing themselves off in their shells during hot or dry periods, and survive for weeks to months without food. Snails have eye stalks and a rough tongue called radula that helps them eat.
Evolution and Snail Shell Origins
Snails evolve and grow their shells throughout their lives. The shells are unique to each individual snail, and they add to their shells as they grow. Shell formation varies among species, and it can be influenced by reproductive morphology and genetic variation. The shell acts as protection and contributes to the survival of snails by providing stability, defense against predators, and variations for survival in changing environments. The fossil record of shells provides valuable information about evolution, rates of change, and trends in snail populations.
Snail Physiology and Adaptations
Snails have a unique physiology with their stick-like eye stalks and radula, which is a rasping tongue covered in tiny teeth. The eye stalks can retract into the shell, and they are used to detect pheromones and navigate their environment. Snails produce slime, which is mostly water and acts as a lubricant for movement and protection. Some species of snails estivate during dry periods, sealing themselves in their shells until rain arrives. Snails are adaptable creatures that can live in diverse environments, thanks to their physiological adaptations.
Snail Love-Making and Love Darts
Snails have a fascinating and unique reproductive behavior involving love darts. The common European garden snail, found in urban and suburban areas of Los Angeles, can shoot a calcareous dart at its mate during mating. This dart contains hormones that influence the receiving snail, increasing the likelihood of fertilization. Scholars believe that the lore of matchmaking cupid was inspired by these love darts. The dart acts as a 'dibs' or 'soulmate arrow' ensuring that the snail impregnates its eggs using the sperm of the dart-throwing individual.
Terrestrial vs. Aquatic Snails and Slugs
Snails and slugs have adapted differently based on their habitats. Terrestrial snails, like the common European garden snail, have shells that protect them from drying out and act as a refuge. This allowed them to transition from marine to land environments. On the other hand, slugs are mostly found in wet environments as they lack shells and require moisture to survive. They are rarely found in dry regions like Southern California. The evolution of snails from ocean to land is considered a significant evolutionary innovation in the animal kingdom, requiring adaptations to accommodate oxygen in the air instead of water.
Crazy dongs! Gardening tips! Snail-based beauty products! Weather the LA heatwave and slug along with Dr. Jann Vendetti of the Natural History Museum of LA County as she gossips with Alie about some sensual slug lovemaking, Gold Rush lore, urban snails, beer bingeing and why you should stop and high five (high one?) a gastropod for evolving into such an interesting critter. Also: should you adopt a rabbit-sized pet snail?
