The snail can lay up to 100 eggs in its first year and up to 500 in the second year. They typically hatch 11 to 15 days later. Once fertilized, the snail does not lay the eggs for eight to 20 days. The sperm may immediately fertilize the eggs, or it can be stored inside the body for up to two years before fertilizing any eggs. When two snails mate, they exchange sperm. Even though they have both male and female reproductive parts, they still have to mate with another snail because their sperm cannot fertilize their own eggs. Young African snails only produce sperm, but adults are able to produce both sperm and eggs. Giant African snails are hermaphrodites, meaning they have both male and female reproductive parts. The typical life span of the giant African snail is three to five years, but they have been known to live as long as nine years. Their tongue, called the radula, has teeth on it that allow it to scrape or cut food. Older snails can become carnivorous, however, also feed on living plants or other snails, fungi or animal matter. They typically feed on leaves, wood, bark, seeds, grains and nuts. Giant African snails are herbivores, meaning they only eat plants. These snails produce a slime that reduces friction and allows them to move along many ground surfaces. It is nocturnal and spends most of the day underground. The snail prefers temperatures that are well above freezing. They can be found in coastal areas, shrub lands, plantation habitats and forests. The giant African snail commonly is found in warm, humid climates. Behavior & HabitatĪccording to the United States Department of Agriculture, giant African snails are a great threat to agriculture and crops. They typically have cone-shaped shells that are light brown in color with darker brown vertical stripes, though occasionally the color may differ – reddish-brown with pale yellow stripes, for instance – depending on their environment. According to the United States Department of Agriculture, giant African snails are a great threat to agriculture and crops.

Giant snail