Sunday 21 April 2013

The Outing



The Garden Snail
Helix aspersa

 
The Shell is 2-5-4cm long with a large rounded mouth. It is mostly chestnut brown with up to five dark brown spiral bands.
They generally have a moist grey skin. Their body produces a guie slime that prevents them from getting cuts, and they can
even crawl upside down with the suction created because of the slime. This slime is not harmful to the hands on contact.

 
Snails are noctural creatures, find food at night, and hide in the shade during the day.During the winter months they hibernate, but this garden snail was disturbed when my husband was cutting the grass, and was in search of shade.It moved very quicky as garden snails move faster than other snail species. Moving at a steady pace they can move 55 yards per hour, and I was really surprises to see how quickly he moved out of the sun, and into the shelter of the shade

 

The Garden Snail's head bears four tentacles, the upper two of which have eye.like sensors, and the lower two of which are smaller, tactile and olfactory sensory structures. They have poor eye sight and rely on sense of smell and touch to find food. Few low growing plants escape the attentions of the garden snail, and for this reason it is considered a pest by gardeners  because it  can do considerable damage to strawberry crops, courgettes, and many other garden plants.  

 
I think most of you will probably dislike the snail because of the trail of slime it leaves behind it. It will not be a favourite with gardeners, but it is a curious creature, which I have fondly drawn since childhood. I remember drawing pictures of snails on my bedroom walls before they were newly wall papered, and loved to see illustrations of snails in childrens books. I hope you will not find these images too offensive.

31 comments:

TexWisGirl said...

the shells are absolutely beautiful and fascinating. true, the slimy slug-like body is icky, but still...

Marijke said...

I love these snails eventhough I am a gardener. Every creature diserves a place in nature. You did capture it beautifuly.
Have a wonderful sunday Sonijia

Nancy said...

I think their beautiful shells make up for the slimy stuff..but oh well...your captures are awesome and I love reading all the information.....

Rita Vaselli said...

The snail is a symbol of tenacity and the shell that carries with it always made me tenderness, because the snails, to me, seem to have lost the sea ...Dear Sonija,I love your pictures! Have nice week,Rita.

Maria said...

You got really close to the snail. Good, clear shots! I love snails.

susan said...

very interesting and delightful shots!!!!

Len said...

Are the ones you photographed edible? I have always wanted to know.
LEN

Unknown said...

Dear Sonija, I love your photos of the snail. The shell is more rounded and compact compare to our local variety. Ntw, your snail doesn't look as slimy as ours.

Breathtaking said...

TexWisGirl
but still, they have a right to be here, and even have a brain!

Breathtaking said...

Marijke
I also enjoy gardening Marijke,but like you, I let them be, after all they chose my garden to live in so must be happy here:))

Breathtaking said...

Nancy
Thank you Nancy:) Their shells are so decorative, and I believe their slime is used in the preparation of cosmetics,as it has regenerative properties.

Breathtaking said...

Rita Vaselli
Thank you Rita:) You have a tender heart Rita dear. They are often found in moist cool places,... perhaps an unconscious desire to return to the sea.

Breathtaking said...

Maria
Thank you Maria:)It really wasn't difficult as the snail was most obliging.They fascinate me also.

Breathtaking said...

Susan
Thank you Sue:) I was pleased to see so much of it's body, as it's not something one sees every day.

Breathtaking said...

Len
Yes, they are edible, after a period of superviced fasting.

Breathtaking said...

Stiletto
Many thanks Stiletto:) I would love to see some photos of your snails.

Joke (Joke's Camera) said...

I am a gardener, Sonjia, and I cannot say that I am fond of these creatures. I had beautiful Hostas in my garden ..... Not for long.......the snails came for a bite and another one and another. Bye, bye, Hostas! (LOL) But your pictures are stunning. Greetings, Joke

Linda said...

Not offensive at all. Very interesting.

Breathtaking said...

Joke (Jokes Camera)
Thank you Joke:)Oh what a shame about your Hostas:( Have you tried putting eggshells or cinders around your plants?

Breathtaking said...

Linda
Hello Linda:) So glad you think so.
Have a good week:)

Linda said...

Amazing! Beautiful photos!

Breathtaking said...

Linda
Thank you so much Linda:)Enjoy your day!

Bob Bushell said...

Oh yes, the last one is superb, snail, beautiful images.

ZielonaMila said...

Fantastic photos, amazing views:) Greetings

Breathtaking said...

Bob Bushell
Thank you Bob:)The last one is I think, how we imagine a snail should look.
Cheers.

Breathtaking said...

ZielonaMila
Thank you so much:) I tried to comment on your recent post but couldn't find how to do it!! The Kampinoski National Park seems like a beautiful place to observe wild life in all it's forms. Very
interesting post, with lovely woodland photos:)

Ana Mínguez Corella said...

Fantastic macro.. Well done!!!..

Rohrerbot said...

I love snails. I wish we had more of them here. Such lovely and misunderstood creatures.

Breathtaking said...

Ana Minguez Corella
Thank you Ana:) When I've tried to coax them out of their shell they refuse to comply, so I was pleased to see so much of this snails body.
Thank you for passing by and have a good weekend:)

Breathtaking said...

Chris Rohrer
Hello Chris:)Ah!!You are a man with a big heart and a love of all creatures.It's great that you feel this way, especially as you love plants, and are also are a gardener!!

Have a good weekend Chris:)

Terra said...

These photos show the attractive side of snails. I don't like to see them nibbling on my plants though.

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