Slugs and snails are both gastropods. The classification is a combination of the Greek words gastros (stomach) and podos (legs). In general, gastropods are aquatic. You will find snails and slugs on dry land, although both creatures can certainly be in the water, even if for short periods.
Both animals leave a slimy trail behind them. It is a slime that allows them to move around on the ground. Any creature can lose moisture in dry soil, dangerously dehydrating it. The secretion of mucus prevents moisture loss. It also prevents sharp cuts in the soil.
Shellfish are similar. Both have thin tentacles with eyes at the end. Their mouths are directed downward. They have a wide, single, flat bottom, muscular feet covered with epithelial cilia and smeared with mucus.
Unfortunately, most people perceive these creatures as annoying. Slugs and snails eat fruits and leaves, roots and stems of plants. They will completely destroy the gardens.
Both animals are slow and there are over 60,000 species of slugs and snails.
However, despite their similarities, snail and slug are different. Let’s take a closer look at these animals in our snails and slugs review.
Comparison of slugs and snails
In the following table, we summarize some of the main differences between snail and slugs.
| Slug | Snail | |
|---|---|---|
| The name “slug” actually applies to any gastropod that does not have a shell, a reduced shell, or a small inner shell. | In the world of gastropods, the snail is known for its spiral shell. This shell develops during adulthood. There are also different species, including land snails, sea snails and freshwater snails. | |
| Shells | Lacks a hard outer shell. They can have an inner shell or a reduced shell. | Has a coiled large outer shell into which the snail can be drawn. |
| The size | Up to 15 inches | Up to 10 inches |
| Life span | 1-6 years old | 2-3 years in the wild 10 to 15 years old in captivity |
| Speed | Depending on the type of bullet | Although the speed can vary, a typical snail covers about one millimeter per second. |
| Behavior | Leading nocturnal lifestyle, the slug feeds on plants at night. | Snails spend most of their time looking for food. Land snails are omnivorous or herbivorous. Some species are predators. |
| Traffic | Slugs move at a very slow pace. | On close observation, the snails may appear to move several feet. The truth is, this is muscle contraction. They only use one leg. |
| Wednesday | Slugs prefer dark, cool and humid places. During the day they hide, and in the spring they feel great. This can cause serious plant damage early in the season. | Snails live in mud and soil, sand, under rocks and leaves, in trees and in bodies of water. Land snails do not breathe underwater and can drown. |
3 key differences between snails and slugs
Here are the most important ways to tell a slug from a snail.
1. Slug vs snail: anatomy
The key difference when you see one of the creatures is that the snail has a conspicuous shell, while the slug does not.
The snail shell is large enough for the creature to dive for protection. Some snails have the ability to close their shells after they have sucked in.
Slugs do not have a caravan or protective shell. Many slugs use an inner vestigial membrane. It is used to store calcium. Without a protective sheath, the soft tissues of the animal are at risk of drying out.
2. Slug vs snail: speed
Snails and slugs fly at different speeds. A common snail can hit one millimeter per second. It is faster than most slugs. There are snails that don’t move at all. They sit at the bottom of the sea, feeding on plankton that drifts in their area.
3. Slug versus snail: habitat
Without a carapace on their backs, bullets can easily – albeit slowly – maneuver into the smallest spaces with the added ability to collapse. They use wood planks, stone slabs and loose tree bark.
Snails hide quickly in their shells, especially in the presence of natural predators. There are snails that can retract and close the shell for added protection.
Next: the largest fish in the world
Slug vs Snail: 3 main differences. Frequently Asked Questions (Frequently Asked Questions) explained
Can a snail turn into a slug?
Actually, science has done it. In 2010, a team of biologists reshaped the snails. They reprogrammed the direction of growth of the shell-forming tissue of molluscs during the period when the outer shell of the freshwater snail begins to form. The process prevented the development of the shell. In the end, they got what was essentially a slug. But Mother Nature never thought it possible to turn snails into slugs or vice versa.
Are slugs worse than snails?
It is impossible to determine if there is a “worst” between snail and slug species. Both are dangerous to your lawns and gardens. They love manicured greenery where they can hide, nest, and feed.
Do slugs and snails feel pain?
The slug has a highly developed nervous system. The fastest way to get rid of them is to salt the creature. This quickly dehydrates (burns) the slug and you can see them trying to escape while writhing in pain. The slug even flinches if it bumps into any object. For snails, the researchers say their nervous system does not process emotional information, so they do not experience suffering.
Is snail venom really used as a medicine?
Snail venom contains conotoxins. The snail uses it to capture and protect. The element contains bioactive peptides used in pharmacological resources. It is believed that these elements could become a new classification for analgesics.
Do snails bite?
Yes it is. They have an average of 14,000 teeth. Just because of their size and lack of strength, you don’t feel it. The bite is said to feel like a scratch on the skin with a tiny brush. But there are wild snails that can deliver a painful bite.