Slugs and snails are part of the nightmares of many gardener's lives. They are soft bodied invertebrates and found in great diversity.
Yet although looked upon as a pest, they play an important role in ecology. They add natural decomposition and seed germination, and certain species are important food sources for both humans and animals.
There are over 40,00 species of slugs and snails.Part of the class Gastropa meaning stomach foot, from the way snails and slugs move on their ventral or stomach.
With a wide variety of colors and shapes the example below is one of the most interesting snails, living mostly in flower gardens.
Some of the interesting snails is the Giant African snail.
In Africa one often comes upon the giant shells of snails, and little is known about them by general public. This snail is looked upon as a pest, and in many countries, where it was introduced from West Africa, millions are spent to eradicate the species.
What makes them such a danger to humans and animals and the environment?
It is a very large snail, 7cm in height and 20 cm in length.It has a conical shell and is usualyy brown or even lighter in color depending on the vegetation or diet.
It is dangerous to both humans and animals, as it comes with a parasite nematode, that can lead to meningitis and other diseases in humans. It causes structural damage to plaster and stucco structures, and is named as the most damaging snails in the world, 200 eggs are laid per day, making it almost impossible to control, and a snail can live up to 10 years. Devouring everything in its way wood bark, leaves, plants, fruit and vegetables-worldwide it is looked upon as one of the least wanted animals, dangerous to animals humans and the environment.
Snails or otherwise known as escargots have been a delicatessen from ancient times, and in Roman times Flavius Hirpinus fed the snails for his table on wine and meat!
In most restaurants and in cuisine all over the world snails ins part of the menu, with many ways to prepare it...
( must say I have never been enticed to even try it)
In the East and now even in Britain, even the canned eggs are looked upon as white caviar and can be bought in canned form. As a delicatessen it is expensive and an acquired taste.
You may want to eat the garden snails on your property, but unless properly fed, and cleaned can be a health hazard,also make sure it is edible and for human consumption. All snails have parasites that are capable of producing harmful toxins that can be fatal in humans.
Make sure about the species, and its origins, the handling and preparation of snails beforehand . Do not har vest snails unless you know what are edible and what not.
