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Ecosystems in Which Snails are Found
Tens of thousands of different types of snails live all over the world in many different habitats, including mountain or forest regions, wetlands, deserts and backyard gardens. Allogona profunda snails, which have thin coiled shells, live in forest-type ecosystems, while Pomacea diffusa, with large, rounded shells, live in streams or wetlands. Some snails live solely in freshwater or saltwater their entire lives. Physa fontinalis snails live in freshwater and have globe-like shells, while Astraea tecta, 1-inch snails with sharp, tightly coiled shells, live in saltwater. Other snails, such as Pomacea canaliculata, which have round, full-looking shells and grow to 2 and 3 inches, can live happily in or out of the water. In each ecosystem, as prey, snails provide food for other animals, while eating a variety of different substances and performing maintenance tasks, such as waste removal, for the ecosystem.
As Feeders in the Ecosystem
Most snails, such as Pomacea canaliculata, eat the plants growing in their ecosystems, and they will also eat algae and fungus. Turbo fluctuosa, 2-inch snails that have shells loosely coiled out to the side, are especially fond of some marine algae types. If plants are rotting or decaying, snails such as Pomacea diffusa enjoy them even more and provide a type of cleanup for the ecosystem in which they live. Snails will also eat soil or other decaying animal matter, but they don't typically feed in this manner unless food sources are low. Exceptions to this rule include some snail types, such as desert snails, or Eremarionta immaculata, which are small snails with thin, white shells that feed on rocks and soil. Some other snail types, such as Haplotrema concavum, are carnivorous or omnivorous and will readily eat other insects, snails and slugs, along with animal remains.
As Prey in the Ecosystem
Snails provide an excellent food source for a variety of other creatures within their specific ecosystem. Snails are often preyed upon by larger insects, such as beetles, caterpillars, leeches and even bigger snails or slugs. Other snail predators include snakes, toads, frogs, birds and ducks. As snails consume waste, plants or insects, and are then consumed by larger creatures, the cycle of the ecosystem continues working in a balanced way -- the snails feed and are then eaten, creating the cycle of life, birth, death and population control that make up an ecosystem.
As Ecosystem Parasite Carriers
As well as cleaning up waste or detritus in their ecosystems and providing a food source for many different kinds of larger animals and insects, snails are also sometimes parasitic carriers. Although parasites are not generally considered helpful creatures, they are part of the natural ecosystem and keep things working in a balanced manner. Some snails provide hosts for parasites, such as different types of trematodes. These parasites may use the snails as a way into their next hosts or may feed off the snails.