Cornu aspersum

Cornu aspersum is the garden snail. They are often called a pest. In English books it was called Helix aspersa for over two centuries, but the current classification now places it in the genus Cornu. They are native to Europe, though have spread elsewhere.^[3] It is very similar, but smaller than the Roman snail (Helix pomantia).

These snails mainly eat plants, since they are herbivores. In the wild, they consume a wide range of vegetation like leaves, stems, and fruits. They also eat fungi , decaying matter, and even soil for essential minerals .

You can feed a snail lettuce, cucumber, zucchini, sweet potato , carrots, kale, collard, radish leaves, and fruits like bananas. Avoid citrus fruits, onion, pineapple, avocado, foods with salt, bread, pasta, and fish food containing copper.

Snails need a source of calcium for their shells. cuttlebone or eggshells can be provided.

Snails are both male and female. They are able to reproduce by themselves, though normally reproduce sexually.

Snails find each other by following slime trails. During mating, they exchange sperm through their genital openings. After mating, the "female" snail lays eggs, usually in a safe, moist location. The eggs are often protected in a jelly-like substance. The location of egg-laying varies by species, with some laying them on plants, under rocks, or in the soil. The eggs hatch after a period of time, typically a few weeks, and the baby snails emerge. They feed on the remaining yolk or surrounding environment before venturing out to find food on their own.

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