Why snails bubble

Snails produce various sorts of secretions to help itself crawl, keep itself away from dehydration for terrestrial snails. Another purpose served is a defense mechanism. Snails would crawl back into their snail and this may protect it from larger predators. However smaller predators such as ants may be able to get into the shell through the opening. The foam generated rapidly in large amounts is actually to block the opening of the shell and prevent anything from getting inside.

This foam remains for a very long time. In my attempts to foldscope a snail, I was pretty successful to view one.

But before I could actually attach my phone to it and record, the snail crawled into its shell. Animals Wild Cities Wild parakeets have taken a liking to London Love them or hate them, there's no denying their growing numbers have added an explosion of color to the city's streets. India bets its energy future on solar—in ways both small and big. Environment Planet Possible India bets its energy future on solar—in ways both small and big Grassroots efforts are bringing solar panels to rural villages without electricity, while massive solar arrays are being built across the country.

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The salt triggers a process known as osmosis where water is rapidly pulled out of the snail's cells. Slime and air is pumped out to help the snail protect itself, but unfortunately, if enough salt is poured, the snail will dry out and shrivel up.

While land snails use bubbles for protection, some ocean-dwelling snails get a bit more creative. In this case, snails, members of the family Janthinidae, secrete mucus and trap air inside for the purpose of creating bubbles that stick together to form rafts. These flotation devices allowed the snails to evolve from bottom dwellers to surface surfers, giving them a great survival advantage -- easy access to a favorite food source, the floating jellyfish. Adrienne Farricelli has been writing for magazines, books and online publications since She specializes in canine topics, previously working for the American Animal Hospital Association and receiving certification from the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers.

By using the site, you agree to the uses of cookies and other technology as outlined in our Policy, and to our Terms of Use. Approaching Invasive Enemies Slow and steady wins the race, but when predators are around, the snail won't likely be able to out run them.