Why do snails climb grass?
Lynchcombe – Mendip Hills, Somerset, UK. ID DSC_3293
Lynchcombe is looking great in the hot summer weather. Most of the bracken is still green, but the grass is very brown. Lots of snails have climbed high up the grass. Why?
Why do snails climb grass?
White lipped Snail (Cepaea hortensis) – Lynchcombe, Somerset, UK. ID 825_5119
The only way to answer this was to ask Google. These are my interpretation of the answers.
- Folklore suggests that the snail would climb up to look around and to see if any of his old friends were in sight. Why snails climb grass
- Their is a parasite which literally turns snails into shambling zombies. The parasite makes the snail suicidal, in attempt to make a bird eat it. Why snails climb to die
- Fungal, bacterial or viral pathogens reprogram snails to make them climb to a high point. When they eventually dies, the pathogens spores are released into the wind to infect a new host.Why do snails climb windows to die
- Snails climb to a high place to go into hibernation when winter is approaching. Snails climb to hibernate
White lipped Snail (Cepaea hortensis) – Lynchcombe, Somerset, UK. ID 825_5131
So they are clearly not climbing to escape the wet ground. It is too early to think about hibernation. I’m guessing their eye sight is not good enough to make it worthwhile climbing.
White lipped Snail (Cepaea hortensis) – Lynchcombe, Somerset, UK. ID 825_4450
So I have to go with a parasite turning them into a grass climbing zombie!
