The Secret Lives of Snails and Slugs

The Secret Lives of Snails and Slugs

Introduction Can you guess what walks on one slimy foot? Here's another clue: this animal has a tongue covered with sharp teeth. Believe it or not, the right answer is a snail or slug. You'll be amazed when you discover more about these creepy crawlers!

Snail and Slug Bodies Snails and slugs are much alike. They belong to the family of animals called mollusks. The mollusk family also includes clams, squids, and octopuses. All mollusks have soft bodies and no backbones, and most have shells to protect their bodies. Even slugs have a tiny shell hidden beneath their skin.

Snails and slugs are also called gastropods, which means " belly foot. " A snail or slug has one foot, with its head at one end. It seems to walk on its belly, but actually it is crawling on its foot. Snails and slugs have tongues with many rows of tiny sharp teeth.

Snails and slugs have four tentacles shaped like arms. At the ends of the top two tentacles are the eyes. These top tentacles are also used to smell. Slugs and snails use their bottom two tentacles for feeling their way along.

Slime Snails and slugs move very slowly, gliding along on their single feet. The foot produces slime that helps the snail crawl, like sliding on a bed of jelly. The goo is sticky, so it also helps the animal climb. Slugs and snails drink through their skin, and their slime filters the water.