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Giant African Snails mating

on 11th January 2014

“African Giant Snails (Achatina fulica), the largest species of land snails, are hermaphrodites, having both male and female reproductive organs. Although capable of self-fertilisation, such instances are rare. I chanced upon a mating pair this morning, surprisingly on a sunny grassy patch around noon, and was intrigued to watch as white protrusions emerged from the right side of each snail’s ‘neck’ and connected with each other.

“These are everted penises as I later found out. They detached as I approached nearer for a closer shot (top and above) Picture below shows a close up of the genital pore, and the retracted penis, which was ‘reabsorbed’ into the snail and disappeared entirely in a matter of seconds.

“I also just found out that land snails have a complex reproductive system LINK, and that part of the mating process involves shooting ‘love darts’ or ‘gypsobelum’ into each other LINK and LINK! All so fascinating, I will now try to find a snail with an embedded love dart! 🙂

“Here’s a video of the snails after mating, one trying to re-engage the other unsuccessfully:

In the end, they each went on their own separate ways.

“…one never knows what one will stumble upon on a casual nature ramble. Nature is a truly great teacher.”

Lena Chow
Singapore
28th December 2013

If you like this post please tap on the Like button at the left bottom of page. Any views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the authors/contributors, and are not endorsed by the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum (LKCNHM, NUS) or its affiliated institutions. Readers are encouraged to use their discretion before making any decisions or judgements based on the information presented.

YC Wee

Dr Wee played a significant role as a green advocate in Singapore through his extensive involvement in various organizations and committees: as Secretary and Chairman for the Malayan Nature Society (Singapore Branch), and with the Nature Society (Singapore) as founding President (1978-1995). He has also served in the Nature Reserve Board (1987-1989), Nature Reserves Committee (1990-1996), National Council on the Environment/Singapore Environment Council (1992-1996), Work-Group on Nature Conservation (1992) and Inter-Varsity Council on the Environment (1995-1997). He is Patron of the Singapore Gardening Society and was appointed Honorary Museum Associate of the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum (LKCNHM) in 2012. In 2005, Dr Wee started the Bird Ecology Study Group. With more than 6,000 entries, the website has become a valuable resource consulted by students, birdwatchers and researchers locally and internationally. The views and opinions expressed in this article are his own, and do not represent those of LKCNHM, the National University of Singapore or its affiliated institutions.

Other posts by YC Wee

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