Snails constantly produce slime, even when they're not moving. ![]() In these instances, the slime's sticky properties help snails cling to surfaces, seeming to defy gravity! Slime is particularly handy when snails climb vertical surfaces and even travel upside-down. As their muscles contract and push down to propel them forward, however, the slime becomes more liquid and makes movement easier. They have muscles on the underside of their feet that generate pulses that propel them forward.Īs they travel on the slime they produce, the slime helps them to stick to whatever surface they're on while their muscles are at rest. Under pressure, though, it liquefies and acts as a lubricant.Īlthough their slime definitely helps them to move along more efficiently, snails don't need it to move. Snail slime has the consistency of a liquid gel. Over the years, however, researchers have learned that snail slime is a special substance with unique properties and several purposes. Scientists initially thought that the purpose of the slime was to enable snails to move. Snails produce slime, which is a kind of mucus, via a special gland on the front of the snail's foot. Since "gastro" means stomach and "pod" means foot, a snail is essentially a "stomach foot." This description makes sense, since a snail's body is like one long foot with a mouth on one end. So what's up with all that snail slime? Snails are gastropods. Can you imagine constantly finding trails of slime across your bedroom floor or pillow? Yuck! If you've ever seen a snail (or its cousin, the slug) in the wild, you've probably noticed that tell-tale trail of slime they leave behind as they move slowly across the grass or a leaf. ![]() After all, they're not furry and cuddly, and they move really slowly. ![]() Some of you may be thinking, "Who would have a snail for a pet?" Other than SpongeBob SquarePants, of course, there probably aren't many of our Wonder Friends who have snails as pets. Others might choose a cat, because they're so cute and furry.īut what other creatures would round out your list? A hamster? A gerbil? A tank full of fish? A turtle? How about a snail? If you made a list of the top five creatures you'd have for a pet, what would you choose? Many would probably choose a dog, since a dog is man's best friend.
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