Why do snails have bands?
Similar results for other habitats also support the idea that differences in the color pattern and banding number serve as camouflage to protect the snails from bird predators. The appearance of Cepaea is also influenced by the need for thermoregulation.
Why are snails with banded shells surviving well?
Snails are sensitive to such temperature changes, so having paler shells keeps them cool by reflecting sunlight. The snails studied here, Cepaea nemoralis i.e. a grove snail, can have pink, yellow or brown shells, with up to five dark stripes on them. This made sense as yellow reflects more sunlight than other colors.
Why are brown snails more common in hedgerows?
Snails with many bands are common in grasslands and hedgerows while brown, unbanded snails are common in woodland. Climate: This affects shell colour. Brown shells tend to be more common in colder climates because the dark colour allows them to absorb sunlight more effectively and warm up.
Why are the snails with yellow shells less likely to survive than the snails with banded shells?
Brown coloured specimens of banded snails are in a disadvantage compared to their yellow coloured conspecifics, because of higher evaporation and consequently higher water loss. So the rate of yellow varieties of grove snails declines towards the North.
What do snails need to survive in a container?
Small pieces of wet or dry cat or dog food, or tortoise food, can also make good snail food. Snails need a source of calcium and minerals to build their shells, so place a piece of egg shell or natural chalk in the tank as well. Cuttlefish from the pet store can also be offered.
Can I keep a grove snail as a pet?
Cepaea nemoralis, or Grove Snails, are a large terrestrial species of snail, that’s native to parts of Canada. These snails are social creatures that should be kept in pairs or groups, as they tend to live much shorter lifespans when kept alone.
