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Title: Roman Snails
Post by: OllieC on April 19, 2009, 19:17:21

I found one in the wild today, just past a field of Cowslips... I have a picture on my phone but haven't got a way of getting it onto here. Has anyone else ever spotted one of these in the wild?

Edited to add, I have got the photo's on here...

The Cowslip followed by the snail... that's my hand, not Annabelle's, so you can see the scale!

(http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g207/Big_Cheesus/DSC00331.jpg)

(http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g207/Big_Cheesus/DSC00334.jpg)

(http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g207/Big_Cheesus/DSC00333.jpg)

Title: Re: Roman Snails
Post by: saddad on April 22, 2009, 08:01:22

Only when on holiday in France... :)

Title: Re: Roman Snails
Post by: Hyacinth on April 22, 2009, 08:23:13

someone's latest must-have 'pet' now discarded perhaps?....or an escapee...I've not Googled them, but I'm a bit concerned :-\

Title: Re: Roman Snails
Post by: saddad on April 22, 2009, 08:25:19

They were in a drainage ditch alongside a "veg plot" apparently they are detritus feeders and didn't damage the growing crops... :-\

Title: Re: Roman Snails
Post by: Robert_Brenchley on April 22, 2009, 09:02:41

They're considered a 'native' species, but as there's no fossil evidence for them, they may have been introduced by the Romans. They aren't common, and do little harm, but I haven't been able to find out where in the country they're likely to be found.

Title: Re: Roman Snails
Post by: Hyacinth on April 22, 2009, 13:49:56

Thanks for the info - very reassuring. I'd a horrible thought that something quite detrimental had been introduced...remember Ninja turtles, anyone ???

Seeing Ol's picture, tho, reminded me that not too many weeks ago the young daughter of a client wanted one for a new pet - WHY?! :-\

Title: Re: Roman Snails
Post by: OllieC on April 22, 2009, 15:17:40

I think it's very pretty... I had Giant African Land Snails as a pet when I was a child - they eat an amazing amount of lettuce. I used to scrounge the ones heading for the bin at the fruit & veg shop. My mother discovered they were all perfectly good in the middle so we had free lettuce for a few years until... one day as a result of thermostat failure they were all slowly baked.

RIP snails.

Title: Re: Roman Snails
Post by: saddad on April 22, 2009, 15:31:58

Pass the Mayo.... ::)

Title: Re: Roman Snails
Post by: Trixiebelle on April 23, 2009, 16:22:57

THE ROMANS! WHAT HAVE THEY EVER DONE FOR US ......... ;D

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IaE3EaQte78

Title: Re: Roman Snails
Post by: Robert_Brenchley on April 23, 2009, 17:28:07

Nothing. The occupation was long, nasty, brutish and poor. You'll be glad to hear that this was a rebellious province which needed three legions (very few had that many) to keep it in order. They can take their d**n ground elder as well.

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Produce => Wildlife forum => Topic started by: OllieC on April 19, 2009, 19:17:21