What's in a snail trail, and why does it get hearts racing?
Snail trails from the common garden snail contain a host of proteins and volatile substances that might act as pheromones, according to Australian research. The researchers found that when one snail crossed another snails silvery trail, their heart rate went from 46.9 to 51 beats per minute. To better understand what might be behind this reaction, the researchers analysed the components of the mucusy trails. They found some of the components could function as pheromones or pheromone blends, suggesting a role for trail mucus in chemical communication.
Journal/conference: PLOS ONE
Link to research (DOI): 10.1371/journal.pone.0251565
Organisation/s: University of the Sunshine Coast
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