Snail shell repairing.

Please forgive my ignorance but I always thought that if a snail shell was damaged it was irrepairable and the snail died.

I found this very badly damaged snail, showing signs of significant repair.

 

That one really looks like its had a bad time pip.
I've not seen one with that much damage, but I have seen some with what looks like repaired shells after damage.
Just shows how good nature is at repairing things if left to it.
I wonder how long they live.

 

In Gerald Durrell's book "My Family and Other Animals" about his early life on Corfu he has several tutors.

One of them (i think Theo) demonstrates to him how snails with damaged shells will use whatever materials they can find to rebuild it. I have the book but haven't read it for a while. I think he gave them coloured bits of glass and had an example of one who used the glass.

TO

 

I am certain that this is the same snail I found in the middle of my yard several months ago.
It was very badly damaged with the whole of the top half of its shell missing. I put it behind one of my tubs in a shaded area, as it was still alive, and I thought it might have an outside chance of surviving.
If it is the same one, I feel really pleased with myself.

Of all the books I have never read tiggs,My family and other animals is one of them. Must get a copy.

Nature is a wonderful thing Pete

 

Definitely worth a read Pip. It's charming and very funny whilst also the early story of Gerald Durrell developing his interest in conservation.

TO