The Snail
Snails are small, slimy creatures that are known for their slow pace and coiled, protective shells. They belong to the mollusk family and there are over 1,000 different species! Usually, they have a wet, soft body and move around using a singular, muscular foot. Their eyes are located at the tips of their longest tentacles. Snails also have a handy tool called a radula, which is like a tiny, rough tongue that they use to scrape food particles off surfaces.

Snail | |
---|---|
Size | Varies from 0.1 inches to 12 inches (0.25 cm to 30.48 cm) |
Weight | Varies from 0.01 ounces to 32 ounces (0.3 grams to 907 grams) |
Speed | 0.03mph (0.05km/h) |
Key Strength | Ability to retreat into its shell for protection |
Biggest Weakness | Slow movement |
Scientific Name | Gastropoda |
Family | Gastropod |
Habitat | Terrestrial, Freshwater, Marine |
Geography | Worldwide |
Diet | Herbivore, Detritivore |
Lifespan | 1 year - 10 years |

The Snail
Snails are small, slimy creatures that are known for their slow pace and coiled, protective shells. They belong to the mollusk family and there are over 1,000 different species! Usually, they have a wet, soft body and move around using a singular, muscular foot. Their eyes are located at the tips of their longest tentacles. Snails also have a handy tool called a radula, which is like a tiny, rough tongue that they use to scrape food particles off surfaces.
Fun Fact: In the snail’s world, speed doesn’t matter! Despite their tiny size and slow movements, some snails have been known to travel up to the distance of 1.3 cm per second.
Snail | |
---|---|
Size | Varies from 0.1 inches to 12 inches (0.25 cm to 30.48 cm) |
Weight | Varies from 0.01 ounces to 32 ounces (0.3 grams to 907 grams) |
Speed | 0.03mph (0.05km/h) |
Key Strength | Ability to retreat into its shell for protection |
Biggest Weakness | Slow movement |
Scientific Name | Gastropoda |
Family | Gastropod |
Habitat | Terrestrial, Freshwater, Marine |
Geography | Worldwide |
Diet | Herbivore, Detritivore |
Lifespan | 1 year - 10 years |
Fun Fact: Did you know that snails are great nappers? In fact, some species of snails can sleep for up to three years. Now that’s a long snooze!
Fun Fact: Snails have an astonishing sense of direction! Despite their poor eyesight, they can find their way home from up to 20 meters away, thanks to their smell sense and earth vibrations.