Meet the Giant African Snail!
Have you ever seen a giant African snail? These massive mollusks are the largest land snails in the world, and they’re definitely a sight to behold! Read on to learn everything you need to know about these fascinating creatures. The Giant African Snail Giant African snails (Lissachatina fulica) are a species of air-breathing land snail native to parts of Africa. As their name suggests, these snails are absolutely massive, with some individuals reaching up to 8 inches in length! In addition to their large size, they are also distinguished by their dark brown or black shells, which have a glossy sheen. The shells of these snails are quite thick, and they’re covered in ridges and bumps. Life Cycle of Giant African Snails Although the giant African snail has both male and female reproductive organs, making them a hermaphrodite, they still need to mate in order to reproduce. The mating process begins when two snails touch each other’s tentacles. This contact triggers the release of love darts from each snail’s body. These darts are basically hypodermic needles that pierce the skin of the other snail, delivering a dose of mucus containing hormones that induces ovulation in the female reproductive organs. Egg laying usually occurs a few days after mating, with each snail producing around 100 eggs at a time. They typically lay these eggs in moist soil or leaf litter, where they incubate for around two weeks before hatching into tiny baby snails. Newly hatched snails consume their egg shell and organic material in the soil, staying buried for 1–2 weeks before making their way to the surface. They stay close to the hatch site at first but soon begin dispersing in search of food as they get older. Baby giant African snails grow quickly, reaching maturity within 6-9 months and can live for up to 9 years in the wild. What Kind of Habitat Do Giant African Snails Thrive In? Giant African snails are nocturnal creatures found in tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, including: NigeriaBeninTogoGhanaSenegalIvory Coast The snail was first introduced to other continents in the early 1900s, accidentally hitching a ride on ships carrying tropical plants. Since then, the snail has spread to more than 50 countries. These snails spend most of the day hiding in the dark and prefer warm, moist climates. They typically prefer to stay close to the ground, and often hide under rocks or debris. Giant African snails also need a constant supply of water, so they are typically found near sources of water such as ponds or streams. Giant African Snails Diet The giant African snails are ravenous herbivores that will eat just about anything! Some of their favorite foods include: LettuceCabbageFruitsGrainsOther types of vegetationPaperAnd even plaster! They consume their food by scraping it off with their radula, a tongue-like organ covered in tiny tooth-like structures. This rasping action breaks down the...
Read More »
