Escargot

Meet Anguispira alternata, also known as the Flamed Disc or Flamed Tigersnail. For scale the cross section of wood on this bird box is 7/8 inch (24mm) in thickness. 

There is something on the order of 100,000 to 200,000 species of gastropods worldwide. One fourth are terrestrial (land dwellers) with the remaining majority being aquatic (water dwellers). Eastern North America is home to 500 species of land snails of which 100 reside in the Badger State. 

This is a first for me and further evidence that I need to step-up my observations of the natural world because it was Jill who spied this terrestrial snail. 

Snails are some of the most unknown organisms and terrestrial snails have the highest extinction rate of all animals. Who knew? 

Some land snails are found on vegetation close to water with others dwelling in the forest, our gardens or in urban landscapes. A snail carries a spiral shell on their back built of calcium carbonate the animal ingests from the environment. This shell serves to protect internal organs and the soft body. The oldest portion of the shell is the innermost center of the spiral. 

Absent any legs - locomotion for this animal is by means of a muscular 'foot' that undulates like a wave to get from here to there. The animal also secretes mucus that greases the way and retains moisture. Without a sense of hearing terrestrial snails depend upon their sense of sight and smell to avoid predators and locate food. 

Most of these critters are hermaphrodites – having both male and female reproductive organs. However reproduction does require an exchange of bodily fluids and the courtship can last as long as half a day. Egg laying follows in a matter of weeks with the hatchlings consuming their egg shell to begin growing their own spiral shell. 

Lest you find inspiration in the title of this post to dine on wild snails you do so at your own peril. These animals can contain dangerous parasites that, if ingested, or perhaps handled carelessly, will really mess you-up. 

That-aside, an over-all fun critter to observe.  Doesn't run away very quickly.....