A study from Kyoto University and Hokkaido University has found that two species of snails - K. editha and K. gainesi - display unique defensive behaviors, challenging the common perception of snails as passive and slow. Snails are often said to be slow and inefficient, and are sometimes used to express laziness. However, a team of researchers from Kyoto and Hokkaido have now discovered that snails are not lazy, especially when they feel threatened. Two species of snails in the genus Karaftohelix - Keditha and Kgainesi - display opposite behaviors when stimulated by predator-like stimuli.

Researchers have found that snails, and two species in particular, Karaftohelixeditha and Karaftohelixgainesi, exhibit unique behaviors when responding to threats, challenging the stereotype of snails as slow and inefficient. Pictured is Kgainesi, known locally as ezo-maimai. Source: Kyoto University/YutaMorii

In previous studies, the researchers reported that Kgainesi, a land snail almost endemic to Hokkaido, fends off predators by swinging its shell.

"Snails usually seem to hide from predators by retracting into their shells, but our study is the first to report that snails use the highest level of posture to avoid predators," said Yuta Morii of Kyoto University's Shirakaba Center.

Unique behavior of K.gainesi and K.editha

In the new study, Morii's team found that Kgainesi (also known as ezo-maimai locally) move forward 20-30% faster when exposed to external stimuli that mimic predatory beetles. This results in an increase in average velocity from approximately 1.05 mm/s to 1.27 and 1.35 mm/s.

Kgainesi are active day and night, which is rare among snails. In contrast, its nocturnal relative, the Keditha (or hime-maimai), simply retreats into its shell when threatened or feeling unwell.

Reiichi Ueki of Sapporo Keisei High School believes: "Personality is not a unique characteristic of humans, because non-human animals also show this animal personality."

The striking differences in this fight-or-flight response between these snail species are evidence of the behavioral syndromes exhibited by closely related species during species divergence—a set of related behaviors observed in different classes.

Evolutionary Implications and Collaborative Research

As far as snails go, Keditha exhibits reactive behavior syndrome and is often labeled as shy and passive. Kgainesi, on the other hand, behave proactively and are seen as bold, active or aggressive.

"By displaying multiple behavioral traits within the framework of animal personality and behavioral syndromes, it may be possible to better understand their evolution," Morii said.

Speaking about his research team, Morii added: "Volunteer collaboration with experts and non-expert citizens and students has also been profound and rewarding, especially in promoting scientific literacy."

Reference: Yuta Morii, Ryota Kimura, Rion Sato, Nana Shiobara, Honoka Maeda, Kaede Nakagawa, Ririka Ito, and Reiichi Ueki, 30 October 2023, Ethology, "Differentiation of mobility and activity associated with anti-predation adaptations in land snails."

DOI:10.1163/1568539X-bja10249

Compiled source: ScitechDaily