How to Tell If Your Snail Has Reproduced

Snail Reproduction

• 1

  Find out what type of species of snail you have. Look in gastropod field guides. Conduct some research regarding that particular species reproductive patterns.

• 2

  Observe the snails and look for a mating ritual. The snails undergo a mating ritual involving biting and touching before preparing to mate. In addition, some snails perform what is called a Helix pomatia, where the put their rear up as if they are fighting. In addition, some snails move around with their penile structure hanging out looking for another mate.

• 3

  Look for copulation after the mating rituals. The reproductive male structures are inserted into the mate to release sperm that will potentially reach the female reproductive organ.

• 4

  Look for snail eggs in the cage or inside the pneumostome of the snail, the breathing pore. The pneumostome is a membrane that is used for oxygen and can hold the eggs in the snail. If the snails were successful in reproducing, you will find snail eggs released into soil. The snail eggs are either hard or soft and depending on the species of snail. Either type of egg resembles small chicken eggs. Snails usually make an egg chamber in soil and fill it with eggs.

• 5

  Watch for eggs to hatch after 24 hours. Eggs will not hatch at the same time. Some eggs can hatch up to 10 days later.