Is Mr. Snail alive or hiding? What is that white lid in the shell?

Mr. Snail is alive

Hello!

A few weeks ago, I found a snail with a white film inside its shell. At first, I thought that it was Mr. Snail's body. Then, when I took the shell closer to me, I felt that it was probably dead!

Something was telling me to be patient and not bury Mr. Snail. After some time, I realized that the white film was removable. Once I removed it, I could see Mr. Snail's body. It was dry from what I remember, but I could sense it was alive.

Friends, it turns out that snails go into periods of dormancy. This state is called aestivation or dryness sleep. The white film is made of the dried mucous that they use to close their shell. It's like closing the door of our homes for privacy. Also, it's like a do-not-disturb sign.

Isn't that marvelous? Imagine if we could build a white film around our bodies for privacy.

If I could, I would use the white film to shoo off mosquitoes. I say that because my snail-feeding spot has been swamped with them.

How about you? What would you do if you had a white film that you could build around you for privacy?

-Don't be a stranger,

Pranita

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Reference: The Living World of Molluscs. www.molluscs.at. https://www.molluscs.at/index.html

Please visit my blog to learn more about snails, snail research, and my stories around feeding snails.

I assure you that it will make you wonder

I welcome you to come out of your shell :D.

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