Roman Snail (Helix Pomatia, Linnaeus 1758)
Family: Helicidae
Width of shell varies between 30 to 50mm.
Other common names, Burgundy snail, edible snail (or name in French “escargot”) . This being a species of a large air-breathing land snail. This species is highly sought after for food, apparently there is a vast amount of snail farming in the Americas and Oceania for this species and other edible species of snails.
The Roman snail inhabits most of Europe and into the Northern Scandinavian countries, although it is not common in the most Northern countries. It can also be found across Russia and has been introduced by humans intentionally or unintentionally into Western Asia. Africa, Oceania and into the Americas.
Roman snails are an adaptable species and are able to live in many types of habitats, preferring mild, damp locations, containing open woodlands, orchards, hedgerows, vineyards and similar places with lush ground covered vegetation. Roman snails do not favour areas with high rainfall levels or open locations in direct sun-light. Habitat in areas mainly below, 2,000 metres above sea level.
This species has two pairs of tentacles, the larger upper two are eyes, the lower pair are smell sensors. Movement is aided with the release of a mucus secretion, from underneath the main foot of the body.
Feeds on practically anything a plant materially has to offer this herbivore, (animal that feeds on plants). Including the leaves, flowers, stem and tree sap. Will also feed on a variety of fruits and vegetables. Feeding usually takes place when more active at night, although early mornings and wet days they can also be seen feeding. Will take minerals from soil and rocks, to keep up a steady supply of calcium within its body, an important mineral, which helps to maintain the shells strength.
Will hibernate throughout the cold winter months, usually they will excavate into soil and will seal the entrance with a layer of mucus, creating an epiphragm. This not only functions to keep the cavity warm but also protects the snail from most predators, especially from various organisms that could infect them.
Helix pomatia breeding season takes place towards the end of May within most European countries including the United Kingdom, from the age of two to four years old they will search for a partner.
Because all land snails are hermaphrodites, (having both male and female reproductive organs). By obtaining scent signals from the air, they are able to find a prospective partner.
Roman Snail have both male and female reproductive organs, so are able to self-fertilise; but in the beginning they need to find a mate for this to materialise. The snails will enter a “love dance” this can last from several minutes up to an hour. Both partners will attempt to manoeuvre into an advantageable position, which will enable the successful partner to release a “love-dart,” (A sharp stylet, made up of calcium carbonate, containing sperm coated in a mucus of chemicals), piercing the skin on impact and entering the other partners body fluids. The snails will then proceed to mate by engaging and entwine with each other, within a mucus of chemicals produced from the effects of the “love-dart”.
After mating has taken place, the snails will go their separate ways and lay their eggs, buried in soil.
Each clutch usually has between 8 to 30 eggs taking around a month to hatch. Juvenile snails will have softer shells until they harden with age.
Main predators, are reptiles and insects, also birds and mice will take advantage in eating the eggs.