by Faye Grigg and Anna Szperka (7th)

It has come to our attention recently that there is a big struggle surrounding a very important issue. It is a question as old as time itself, a deep philosophical question asked well before the chicken and the egg problem. It is, of course, the problem of the snail and the slug. Sure, they look similar. I mean what’s the difference? You may think that there are only very minor differences, but in actuality they truly are two very different creatures! 

Now, if you’re terrified of bugs and you think we’re crazy for writing a whole article about “Ooh! Snails are so cute!” Hey! We listen and we don’t judge! And even if you really don’t like bugs, that’s fine. However, snails and slugs are not “bugs,” they are mollusks that belong to the family phylum Mollusca. At least we can agree that slugs are GROSS. And there is an extremely vile difference between mollusk angel like a snail and a pile of glop molded into a creature. But we can save that part for later, some reasons to love snails (gosh so many), are things like they are so innocent-looking creatures! They’re the kind of creatures that you will show to someone and scream in their face “LOOK HOW CUTE MY BEST FRIEND IS! LOOK AT THEM!!!” And let’s be real, anytime I look at a snail, all I can think is “She looks so squishy! I love her!!” I’m being so honest, if I were a snail, there’d be no happier creature on the planet. 

Now, some of you may be skeptical. You may even think that there is no difference besides the shell, or lack thereof. However, my dear reader, these assumptions could not be more wrong. These mollusks’ posture, patterns and textures are vastly different. For example, a snail’s posture is one that is dignified and refined. It holds its “head” up high and stands up straight, not hunched over like the slug. Now, as for patterns, snails are typically a solid color, two-toned or somewhat translucent. On the other hand, slugs can come in many patterns. They can be spotted, striped, and even have leopard print?!?!! It’s terrifying to see in person, trust me. As for texture, both slugs and snails are slimy of course, but within that slime is a realm of differences. Slugs have rougher, tougher, wrinklier skin, while a snail’s skin is soft and smooth. When it comes to the slime trail these mollusks leave behind, slug trails are often thinner, while snails leave gloopier trails.

The reason why you may see a dried-out slug on the sidewalk or the street is because of that outer shell they lack. And the shell on the little angel snail is what keeps it from drying out. But a reminder, if a snail loses its shell, THAT DOESN’T MEAN THEY ARE NOW A SLUG! But yes, a snail can lose their shell. They wouldn’t last very long, but it can happen! And when that does happen, it does not become a slug. Instead, it becomes a semi-slug. A semi-slug basically looks like a slug, but doesn’t at the same time. It looks like a slug with a giant booger hanging off of its back. Disgusting? Heck yes. Look it up, but don’t say I didn’t warn you. So I think that just proves to anyone that thought the snail is just a slug with a shell that you are DEAD WRONG. No, seriously, I was TRAUMATIZED after I saw that. So, if you want a free ticket to becoming your local ‘trauma llama’, try googling ‘Semi-slug.” =3
 

Other differences than that may include features like ‘Slug Season’ is around the spring and autumn and ‘snail season’ is around the summer. You see? They’re active around TOTALLY DIFFERENT TIMES! Also, slugs tend to be quite pickier than snails, with a diet of truly only veggies and flowers. Where snails enjoy full breakfasts, dinners and all in-between an assortment of goodies like veggies, fruit, grains, shrubs and flowers. Sounds delicious, don’t you think? Also, their lifespans have a frightful difference between their years. Okay, well it’s not that frightful, but there’s a difference between them. The slugs get cursed with a life span of usually less than a year. And the snails get a blessed gastropod life with 2-5 golden years. 

Even though at a surface level glance, snails and slugs may seem like similar creatures, when you take a deeper look, your perception of these marvelous mollusks can change entirely. Even if you view two organisms which are related to one another, you may find that the behavior, characteristics, and challenges these goopy guys face can be completely different. Thank you for tuning in to The Artichoke!