Land snails are known by the scientific name Heterobranchia, and are a group of land-dwelling gastropods that have the ability to breathe air….oh, and by the way this also includes slugs (which are very similar to snails except they lack a shell). Snails are invertebrates, which means they lack a backbone, but they do have a shell, which serves to protect its internal organs, prevent water loss, provide shelter from cold, and protect the snail from predators. A snail's shell is secreted by glands in its mantle rim.
Snails feed on plant material, fruits, and algae, which means they are herbivorous. Did you know that they have a rough tongue called a(word for today) radula th
Snails move by creating an undulating wave-like motion along the length of their foot, with a top speed of around 3 inches per minute. To help them move, snails secrete a stream of slime (mucus) from a gland located at the front of their foot. This slime enables them to glide smoothly over many different types of surface and helps to form a suction that helps them cling to vegetation and even hang upside down.