What Is the Collective Noun for Snails?

The world of snails is complex, with over 60,000 species inhabiting it. Some dwell on land, while others reside in water. However, most snails can thrive in both environments thanks to a myriad of adaptations. But what term would you use to refer to a group of snails?

The collective noun for snails is “escargatoire.” However, it is worth noting that this term is not as commonly used as some other collective nouns. Generally, the term “group” or “colony” is often used to refer to a collection of snails.

This short article differentiates between snails and slugs and provides the collective names for groups of both species.

What Is a Snail?

Snails are shelled gastropods found in water, land, or both environments. However, the term “snail” is most commonly used to refer to land-dwelling species.

These gastropods belong to the kingdom Animalia, phylum Mollusca, class Gastropoda, and order Pulmonata. Snails inhabit various ecosystems, including:

• Marine
• Freshwater
• Terrestrial environments

Most terrestrial and freshwater snails breathe through a lung-like sac, while marine snails have a modified gill system.

Related Reading: Will Tap Water Kill Snails?

Difference Between Snails and Slugs

Snails are often mistaken for slugs, which are gastropods that:

• Lacks a shell
• Have a reduced shell
• Possess internal shells

Snails and slugs belong to the same kingdom, phylum, class, and order. A group of slugs is called a cornucopia or phlegm of slugs.

The primary distinguishing characteristic is the presence of a conical shell in snails, a feature conspicuously absent in slugs. This shell is a mobile defense home where a snail can retreat when faced with a threatening situation.

Most terrestrial snail species possess a rigid shell cover called an operculum, which they use to fully seal themselves inside their shells.

Another difference lies in their size. Slugs tend to be larger than snails, growing up to 10 inches (25 cm) in length. In comparison, snails are genetically limited to about 6 inches (15 cm). However, shells make snails appear larger in diameter compared to slugs.

Additionally, slugs tend to have a longer lifespan, with an average of 7 years, whereas snails typically live for 3-4 years.

For more information on these differences, read the article: Are Slugs and Snails the Same Thing?

How Do Snails Feed?

Snails exhibit a wide range of feeding habits. Some snails are herbivores, while others are carnivores or omnivores. These feeding habits are largely influenced by their habitats.

For instance, some snails are grazers feeding on vegetation, while others are browsers or suspension feeders. There are also scavenger snails that feed on other snails.

However, most snail species rely on a toothed chitinous ribbon called a radula for feeding. This specialized organ cuts and scrapes food before it enters the esophagus.

Snails are generally efficient feeders renowned for their ability to clean tanks. They are known to consume almost anything that comes their way.

Closing Remarks

A gathering of snails can be called a rout, escargatoire, or a walk. However, these collective nouns are not widely used, and people typically refer to them simply as a group of snails.

Snails are fascinating creatures with distinctive feeding and breeding behaviors. Now that you know the collective term for snails, it’s time to incorporate it into your vocabulary.

Sources

• IntechOpen: Marine Snails of the Genus Phorcus: Biology and Ecology of Sentinel Species for Human Impacts on the Rocky Shores
• Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy: Taxonomy: Classification of slugs and snails