Snails are among the most plentiful invertebrates on earth. Despite their slow movements, they are highly nutritious prey, so they’ve evolved some sophisticated defenses.
Here’s a look at what are the natural predators of snails. Listed below are the main ones, but there are also some that are not common and can have negative effects. Read on to learn more!
Snail predators
Snails have many predators. Some of them are land snails, such as the cichrine beetle. This beetle has a narrow head, and the snail’s shell has closed holes that help protect itself from the sharp teeth of a lanceworm. Other predators include frogs and windmill scarabs. Many predators are attracted to snail shells and eat them.
Snails can also damage water features, especially decorative ponds. The snails can kill the fish, clog the pipes and filters, and even carry disease. Their shells can harbor parasitic worms that can be harmful to humans and pets.
They are also unsightly and can reduce the enjoyment of a garden. So, how do you get rid of snails? Consider introducing natural predators to your property.
Hedgehogs are one of the best options for eliminating snails from your garden. You can provide food for them, as well as nesting places and accessible fences. Frogs also help control the snail population.
In addition to birds and hedgehogs, you can attract frogs to your garden. In addition to attracting predators, you can also add native plants to your garden. Plants like rosemary, lavender, and lemongrass are great barriers against snails and other pests. You can also use store-bought snail control solutions to kill snails.
Difference between snails and slugs
A primary difference between slugs and snails is the absence of an external shell, and the fact that both animals can live in different environments. Slugs live in water, while snails live on land.
While they both have shells, snails have a much larger shell than slugs. Snails are less prone to drowning because they don’t breathe underwater. Additionally, snails have a much lower fat content and a higher protein content than slugs. Furthermore, both snails and slugs are good sources of calcium, iron, and Vitamin A.
Snails are the larger of the two animals, with a shell up to 10 inches long. Slugs are smaller than snails and have two pairs of retractable tentacles – one of which is an optical one and the other a respiratory one.
Snails can live up to two years, but slugs are often more damaging. Slugs are considered agricultural pests.
Land snails are more common and more aggressive than slugs. They are primarily eaten by predatory snails, which will break the shell of its prey.
While slugs may attack a small snail, snails will generally attack it by the bigger ones. A predatory snail will either rasp a hole in the victim’s shell or tear it open to eat the inside.
How long do snails live?
Snails vary greatly in life span, depending on species and habitat. Snails that live in streams can live for up to 5 years, while snails living in ponds and lakes typically live for only 1.5 years.
The reason for the difference between these species is the nutrient content of their habitat, which makes them grow faster and live shorter lives. The average life span of a species varies from five to fifteen years, depending on its diet.
The lifespan of a land snail depends on its species and age at which it was acquired. Giant land snails, for example, live for approximately 10 years.
In addition, many garden snails live for about three to five years, with some extending their life span to fifteen or twenty years. While some snails live longer than this, others are shorter-lived and can live for a few weeks or months.
The average lifespan of a garden snail varies, depending on its species and location. It is often found hiding underground, such as behind garden sheds or in pots against walls.
Their preferred habitat is moist and shady, with a minimal amount of underbrush or leaves. A snail’s lifespan is best determined after a species has been acquired, but the general rule of thumb is that the longer the snail is kept in captivity, the longer it will live.
