(+1) 530-559-6991
Wanderlust Snail Rescue
EST. 2017
rainbowstripe & snicker: what are they?
In 2017, we rescued our first snail; a half-dead juvenile with a split shell. That snail is Willie, who's still alive today. When we first rescued Willie, we just saw him as a regular garden snail, but as we've taken in 40+ more, we realize that something largely defining each snail is it's shell pattern. The pattern on a snail's shell is kind of like a dog's breed; two garden snails rescued from nearby areas are the same species, but look entirely different. These patterns, or breeds, tell us and other snails where each one is from. The breed that a snail is also tells us about it's genetics, as well as it's temperament and possible health/behavioral issues. We categorized the two most common breeds we rescue under two distinct labels: Snicker and Rainbowstripe.
rainbowstripe
The Rainbowstripe breed can be determined and recognized by the downward, slightly diagonal dark stripes on the shell. Rainbowstripe breed snails oftentimes have tan or generally lighter body colors, and can be defined as more 'mellow' than other breeds might be. This trait makes them nice beginner's snails, as they're easy to work with and don't have many genetic behavioral issues. But, we have observed that Rainbowstripe breed snails are more prone to calcium deficiency, stunted growth, and irregular shell build than other breeds are. These issues can be removed through responsible breeding.
snicker
The Snicker Breed has a rather unique shell coloration, and can be easily spotted by this defining trait. This shell coloration is what many people favor about them over other breeds, and can be described as a kind of patchy, hyper-looking pattern that ranges from the top of the shell to the bottom. Snicker breed snails are the more active of the two at Wanderlust, and can be more rewarding to train or condition. However, if poorly bred, they can have several behavioral issues and wild-rescued adults may be irritable, private, and overall 'grumpy.' This is why it is important to read the short biographies under each rescue.
