What do snails look like?
There are over 1000 species of native Australian snails and slugs but most of the snails and slugs we find in our gardens are not natives.
Snails have soft bodies and are protected by their home, a hard shell. They have a long, muscly “foot” and a variety of different shaped shells (flat, round, pointy or spiralled).
Where are snails found?
They live everywhere. They are found all across Australia in gardens, ponds and even the ocean!
Fast facts:
- The introduced common garden snail has lived in Australia for over 100 years.
- Snails are actually hermaphrodites, meaning they actually have both male and female reproductive organs.
Snails
The leaf litter in your garden is perfect for snails who need a moist atmosphere to survive in.
Snails can be infuriating when they graze on your newly planted veggie patch. But they also like to feed on dead plant and animal material and fungi.
There are over 1000 species of native Australian snails and slugs but most of the snails and slugs we find in our gardens are not natives.
Introduced snail species generally arrived accidently in Australia on potted plants, or stuck to packing cases, pallets and shipping containers. The introduced common garden snail (Cantareus aspersus) has lived in Australia for over 100 years. They live everywhere and the lack of natural predators means their numbers have exploded. Many birds will eat them, including your backyard chickens, but the widespread use of snail pellets has made many potential predators learn to avoid eating them.
Snails can play an important part in decomposing organic matter in your compost bin.
Snails are an important food source for crows, ravens and blue-tongue lizards so think twice before you reach for the snail pellets. Dead snails can make the animals that eat them sick and will discourage native animals from visiting your garden.
