SNAILS AND SLUGS

Garden Snail, Helix aspersa

Class: Gastropoda (Snails and Slugs)

Size: Shell 1 1⁄4" diameter

Habitat: Shady or moist areas, gardens, croplands

Range: Throughout North America

Garden Snails were introduced from Europe and are now widespread in North America. This is the snail you are most likely to see in your garden. The body is like a gray slug with a thin, spiraled, brown shell with darker brown or black bands and striations. When active, the long foot, head, and two sets of tentacles are extended, but the soft parts will quickly retract into the shell if threatened. During very dry weather they can survive by contracting into the shell and sealing the bottom with mucus. They are mostly active at night or during the day during wet weather, feeding on a wide variety of plants with a rasping tongue. Though not the typical snail used as escargot in cuisine, it is still edible and considered a delicacy by some.