The grove snail (Cepaea nemoralis) and the garden banded snail (Cepaea hortensis) are like siblings sharing a home in nature. They inhabit similar habitats and have a wide variety of shell colors and patterns. Although the grove snail generally grows larger, it is the color of the lip of its shell (edge ​​of the shell opening) that sets it apart from its relatives. While the garden banded snail has a light lip in most cases, the lip of the grove snail is usually dark colored. They are a very common sight in Europe, and can vary greatly in appearance from region to region.

Happy Pi Day!

Pi is a mathematical constant that describes the ratio of a circle's circumference to its diameter. The circle is often associated with perfection. Natural processes and structures are often characterized by irregularities and variations, even if they approximate a circular pattern. Idealized perfection, as defined in geometry, is rarely or not at all found in natural phenomena.

This is my 777th post! Like the number 7, the circle is often regarded as a symbol of completeness, perfection, and infinity, as it endlessly revolves around itself, without beginning or end. However, in contrast, Pi, an irrational number with an infinite decimal representation, remains inaccessible despite all efforts.

This irony underscores the tension between the ideal of completion and the reality of inaccessibility, offering insights into the nature of humanity and the universe.

In attempting to draw a circle, however, constantly deviating slightly from perfection, a spiral may emerge.

This consideration leads to a deeper understanding of the relationship between the circle, representing perfection and completion - and the spiral, often associated with growth, change, and evolution.

The spiral resulting from this attempt serves as a visual representation of human striving for perfection and completion, yet it also reminds me of the beauty of the natural and authentic, which often manifests in imperfection. Often hindered by errors, imperfections, or external influences.

Metaphorically, it expresses the infinite process of self-improvement and growth, while striving for perfection and grappling with the realities and challenges of life. Progress often occurs not linearly, but in waves or cycles.

In this sense, the emergence of a spiral from the attempt to draw a circle reminds me that perfection is a continuous process of self-unfolding and growth, driven by the pursuit of perfection and the acceptance of imperfection.

When I discover something...😅

Tiny leopard slugs (Limax maximus) everywhere! 🥰 They are totally cute as babies and popular in gardens because they fatally attack other slugs.☠️

Dobby is a good boy! 🐶💛

Two years ago I adopted the clutch of a Giant African land snail (Achatina fulica, "White Jade" ). 🐌

Crazy how fast time flies. In this video they were just a month old. It plays at 11x speed. I hope they are doing well in their new homes now. I last saw them 9 months ago.

The little animals are predatory mites. They feed on small insects, springtails and mites. This is useful because they leave the snails alone but eliminate pests.

Mites are arachnids just like spiders and scorpions. There are many specialized mite species worldwide, including blood-sucking ticks and dust mites.

Yesterday, on a rainy summer night, somewhere between kindergarten and cemetery, I met these two friends.😁

The snail is a garden snail (Cornu aspersum). A globally invasive species originally native to the Mediterranean region. It used to be assigned to the Roman snail, but represents a genus of its own. Like the Roman snail, this species is also bred as a food snail. Even to a greater extent than the Roman snail.🐌

The isopod is a common striped woodlouse (Philoscia muscorum). A very widespread species of woodlice in Europe. Because it can run exceptionally fast, it is called the fast woodlouse.💨

Both species have a beautiful eel line.❤️

Looks like the snail is the big boss (Jabba) and the isopod is his nimble sidekick who tells him the latest news from the neighborhood.🤣

Giant African land snail
(Achatina fulica, "White Jade")
pushes off its epiphragm. 🐌

An epiphragm is created to seal the aperture of the shell against desiccation. The main function is to reduce water loss during inactivity. It also protects against parasites and predators. Certain species of snails can remain alive as they pass through the digestive tract of predators because of the protection from the digestive enzymes.

It's a while ago that I showed Fusili 🐌💕

Hello, I'm a sloth!🙋 This is my baby parrot Fusilli!🐒 It doesn't think much of specifying its gender.🌈 It can be anything it wants!👑 We live the free pirate life and feel at home everywhere!🗺 Arrrgh! 🐌🌈💘

In Christian culture, the snail has been used as a symbol of the deadly sin of sloth. In Mayan mythology, the snail is associated with sexual desire, being purrsonified by the sexy God of Annual Misfortune, called Wayeb. I must say it feels very good how my baby slides on me! 😶🐌💘

I disturbed their sleep. 😶🐌🗯