Snail

Snail is a common name given to any animal that belongs to the class Gastropoda (in the phylum mollusca). Snails can be divided into three categories namely sea snails, land snails and freshwater snails.

The largest species of sea snail is Syrinx aruanus. It has a shell that can measure up to 90 cm in length. Along with its shell, it can weigh up to 18 kg. The largest species of land snail is the Giant Ghana Snail (Achatina achatina). It can grow upto 38 cm (from snout to tail) in length and can weigh up to 1 kg. The largest freshwater snails are the apple snails.

Several species of snail impact agriculture as pests. They destroy crops by eating roots, leaves, stems and fruits. They are able to consume a large variety of plants. Metaldehyde-containing baits are often used for snail control, though they should be used with caution as they are toxic to dogs and cats.

Snails are consumed as a food in many countries. Several land snails, sea snails and fresh water snails act as a rich source of protein.

Sea snails constitute the majority of snail species. They have much greater biomass and a greater biodiversity when compared to land snails and freshwater snails. Generally snails are herbivorous. However, a few land snails and many sea snails are omnivorous or carnivorous.

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