GartenSchnecke

GartenSchnecke is a term used in German-speaking countries to refer to garden snails. These terrestrial gastropod mollusks are common inhabitants of gardens and are known for their slow movement and the spiral shells they carry. Various species of garden snails exist, but commonly encountered ones include Helix aspersa, also known as the common garden snail.

Garden snails are primarily herbivores, feeding on a wide range of plants, including vegetables, fruits, and flowers. Their feeding habits can sometimes lead to them being considered pests by gardeners, as they can damage crops. They possess a radula, a ribbon-like tongue covered in microscopic teeth, which they use to scrape food.

These snails are hermaphroditic, meaning each individual possesses both male and female reproductive organs. However, they typically require a partner for mating. After mating, they lay clutches of small, pearl-like eggs in moist soil.

Garden snails are most active during damp or humid conditions, often emerging after rain or in the early morning and late evening. During dry periods or cold weather, they retreat into their shells, sealing the opening with a layer of mucus to conserve moisture and protect themselves. Their presence in a garden can indicate a healthy, moist environment, although their population can sometimes become problematic for plant cultivation.