These snails were introduced as a food reserve for the American Military during the Second World War. However, the United States Department of Agriculture consider them the most damaging species for the agriculture and crops in the country, as they are known to eat at least 500 different species of plants. Therefore it is illegal to keep them as a pet in the USA.
Giant African Land Snails Acnatina fulica is one of the most invasive species in the world. Although they originated from eastern Africa, they can now be found on every continent expect Antarctica.
Their shells are their homes. They can grow to the size of an adult's hand.
They move around using their muscular foot, which is where their mouth and teeth are. These snails are hermaphrodites, which means that they have both male and female organs. Therefore in order for them to breed they can easily switch sex - who says you need a man!
They can lay 200 eggs at a time.
