The snail is a fascinating gastropod mollusk, belonging to the class Gastropoda, which includes thousands of species found across the globe. According to scientific records, there are approximately 40,000 known species of snails worldwide. These creatures are highly adaptable and can be found in almost every region of China, inhabiting forests, shrubs, orchards, vegetable gardens, farmlands, homes, parks, temples, mountains, plains, and hills. While many species exist, only a few are considered valuable for consumption or as a source of animal protein.
Snails are often regarded as a high-protein, low-fat food source, making them increasingly popular in both culinary and agricultural contexts. Their unique texture and nutritional value have made them a sought-after delicacy in various cuisines around the world.
One of the most intriguing characteristics of snails is their sensitivity to humidity. Although they live on land, they thrive in damp environments. They rely heavily on moisture to maintain their skin and muscle function. After a rainy night, snails become particularly active, often emerging from their hiding places. This behavior has led some people to view them as natural barometers—when large numbers of snails appear on trees, leaves, or grass, it may signal that rain is on the way. Even when kept indoors under a glass cover, snails remain highly sensitive to changes in humidity, showing that their environmental awareness is not limited to open spaces.
Snails also possess remarkable instincts. For example, Charles Darwin once documented an interesting observation: two snails were found in a small garden with limited food. One was weak and sluggish, while the other was strong and active. The healthy snail left its companion and climbed over a wall to a more food-rich area. It then returned and guided its companion to the new location. This behavior suggests a level of social awareness and instinctive problem-solving.
Another notable trait is their homing ability. Studies have shown that snails return to their original hiding spots daily. In one experiment, seven snails were marked and observed under a stone. At night, some would disappear and reappear the next morning beneath the same stone. Over several nights, this pattern continued, showing that snails have a strong sense of direction and memory.
Some species even show a preference for avoiding certain smells. For instance, a particular type of snail avoids the smell of charcoal and will take a longer route to find food, even if it means going around something it dislikes. Despite having access to better alternatives, these snails still follow their familiar path, demonstrating a deep-rooted instinct.
Snails are incredibly resilient. They can survive extreme conditions such as cold, heat, drought, and starvation. During winter, they enter hibernation by retreating into their shells and sealing the opening with a mucus membrane. This allows them to endure long periods without food or water. Similarly, in hot climates, they may aestivate (a form of summer hibernation) to avoid the harsh sun.
In Africa, where temperatures can be extremely high, snails have adapted by developing white shells to reflect sunlight and thicker shells to block heat. These adaptations help them survive in seemingly inhospitable environments.
Perhaps the most astonishing fact about snails is their longevity. In 1846, scientists in Egypt collected two snails and brought them to a museum in the UK. They were placed on a plate and stored in a specimen room. Four years later, one of them showed signs of life, producing a new mucous membrane. When placed in warm water, it emerged from its shell, ate cabbage leaves, and gradually regained its health. This incredible survival story highlights the snail’s extraordinary endurance and resilience, a quality rarely seen in most animals outside of insects.
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