Researchers egg-static to capture 1st footage of this rare snail spawning from its neck

Scientists have captured the first footage of a rare New Zealand snail laying an egg from its neck. Lisa Flanagan, a ranger at the New Zealand Department of Conservation, was amazed to finally film this elusive moment after years of studying the Powelliphanta augusta snail.

The Powelliphanta augusta snails are unique creatures that take eight years to reach sexual maturity. Once mature, they lay about five eggs a year through an opening in their neck. Despite almost two decades of caring for these snails, Flanagan and her colleagues had never witnessed this phenomenon until May 7.

In the video, Flanagan can be heard expressing her curiosity about whether the process hurts the snail. This footage has provided valuable insights into the snails’ reproductive cycle and has raised new questions for researchers.

The Powelliphanta augusta snails are among the largest carnivorous snails in the world, measuring approximately nine centimeters in length. They are known to feed on earthworms and have a unique reproductive system that involves laying eggs from their neck.

These snails faced a threat to their habitat in the early 2000s when a coal mining company attempted to destroy their only habitat on the Mount Augustus ridge line. Fortunately, efforts were made to relocate thousands of snails to ensure their survival.

The snails’ reproductive process from the neck may seem unusual, but it is a common trait among snails. Their protective shells allow them to retreat from predators and harsh weather conditions, but this also presents challenges for mating and reproduction.

Powelliphanta augusta snails are hermaphrodites and use a genital pore on the side of their body to exchange sperm with other snails during mating. The eggs take around 400 days to hatch, and when they do, a tiny snail emerges.

Flanagan hopes that the video footage from Hokitika will showcase the amazing nature of these snails and raise awareness about their importance in the ecosystem. Despite their small size and unassuming appearance, these snails play a crucial role in their environment and deserve recognition for their unique behaviors.