Mr. Snail tries to bite me

I haven't been able to meet many snails this week, as I suspect that they have been hiding in the cold. Fortunately, I found a big Mr. Snail in a lush potted plant the day before. This particular snail-feeding session was quite soothing for me. I had to gently stroke the snail's shell to wake it from sleep or hibernation. It was a reminder for Mr. Snail that I was holding it and that it was time for it to eat its flower treat.

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As I was feeding it a Jasminum flower, I realized that Mr. Snail was having trouble locating the flower petals at times. Instead, it kept biting my hand, trying to make a grasping action to grasp the flower petal.

Research suggests that snails can scrape and bite with a mouthpart called the radula. They also have a rasping tongue.

The radula is like the lower jaw (mandible) in human beings. The radula, or the jaw of the snail, has pointy teeth made of a substance called chitin. I had the chance to experience Mr. Snail trying to eat my hand's flesh, thinking it was edible. Although I could feel its teeth and rasping action on my hand, it didn't tear any of my tissues.

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I've realized that feeding snails has helped me slow down and process my day. Previously, I would meditate in the evenings. However, now, I've replaced meditation with feeding snails. It makes me feel refreshed. There are chances of me sleeping off while meditating, however, feeding snails feels so much more of a social activity than meditating.

I've tried feeding Mr. Snail carrot peels. However, unwillingly, they have eaten those too. Snails like Mr. Snail (or garden snails) can degrade cellulose, hemicellulose, and xylane substances. Along with selective green plants/fruits, they are studied to eat dead animal tissue and paper.

(P.S. - I remember gently pulling out a piece of paper from Mr. Snail's mouth.

I'm not sure why they eat paper but maybe it's like chips for the snail population!)

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After reading a peculiar fact, I now consider snails to have tunnel vision. It is observed that snails prefer eating plants rich in calcium like nettle plants. Moreover, they can turn their backs or in this case, shells away from plants rich in zinc and nickel. This happens because snails require calcium in their diet to maintain their shells which are made of calcium carbonate.

Isn't that fascinating?

I do have to say, Mr. Snail is creating a scientific itch in me. It is becoming easier for me to befriend them and slow down with them. I guess, I become a snail while feeding a snail.

-Don't be a stranger,

Pranita Rao