Land Snail Photographed 1.5 Metres Up a Berry Bush in Lempäälä

A reader in Lempäälä photographed a land snail 1.5 metres up a berry bush, a surprising height that highlights how well some snails can climb. The photo was published by Aamulehti.

Tomi Kumpulainen, curator at the Tampere Natural History Museum and Aamulehti's nature doctor, says climbing is natural for many land snail species. Snail mucus reduces opposing friction while still providing enough adhesion to stick to stems. The muscular underside, called the foot, produces small wave-like motions that propel the animal upward. Climbing gives snails access to food, reduces exposure to predators and lets them withdraw into their shells. They may also climb to escape excess moisture during heavy rain. The pictured individual was likely young, though larger snails can climb similarly. Readers can send nature questions with photos to [email protected]. Kumpulainen normally handles observations from Pirkanmaa but may answer queries from elsewhere.

The sighting recalls a recent reader report of a leaf snail climbing a wall in Hämeenkyrö which prompted advice to gardeners. It also follows earlier coverage of tiny translucent clusters in gardens that are likely snail eggs that may hatch within weeks.