WEDNESDAY, JULY 21, 2004
NATURE
THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
9
Courtney Kuhlen/Kansan
A snail climbs up one of the steps on campus behind Wescoe. Last month's warm, wet weather has caused the white-lipped globe snails to flourish.
Recent rains attract snails to campus
By Erika Bentson editor@kansan.com Special to the Kansan
Watch where you step. June's warm, wet weather has brought an abundance of snails to the University of Kansas campus.
"I had to tip-toe up the stairs behind Stauffer-Flint, those things were everywhere," said Carolyn Tharp, Lawrence junior.
These creatures that have appeared lately are referred to as white-lipped globe snails and are found throughout most of the eastern United States, until you reach the Rocky Mountains.
"This time of year is perfect for the white-lip's to come out and lay their eggs before it gets too hot and dry," said fourth-year graduate student and snail expert Beth Davis.
Snails are common to this area because the limestone throughout eastern Kansas is a great source of calcium which allows their shells to grow.
White-lipped globe snails can be found year-round, but the harsh winters of this region require them to estivate, or go into what is commonly referred to as hibernation.
The snails bury themselves in the ground until temperatures rise and rain loosens the topsoil. Then they can be seen in grass, bushes and near the base of trees.
"White-lip globe snails come out in mid-May and stick around until it gets too hot for them to move around easily, but you'll see them again in October when it gets wet again," Davis said.
"I had to tip-toe up the stairs behind Stauffer-Flint. Those things were everywhere."
Carolyn Tharp Lawrence junior
Snails are not as innocent as they look. They can be a menace for some gardeners.
"After last weeks rains, you could see where the snails had been and holes they had made in our plants, especially our hosta," said Donna Gardner, Sunrise Garden Center, 1501 Learnard Ave., employee.
Snails can be easily deterred if you take some simple steps. Gardner suggested crushing egg shells or laying cedar mulch around the plants you wanted to protect.
"Birds and ground animals also eat white-lip globe snails during the spring. They need to be around in order for these animals to survive," said Davis.
Although snails may be harmful to some plants, they are an important part of the ecosystem in this area.
White-lipped globe snails are also active plant decomposers and rely on decaying plant leaves for much of their diet.
According to Ann Peuser, owner of Clinton Parkway Nursery, 4900 Clinton Parkway, snails will be around as long as it keeps raining and the grounds are wet.
— Edited by Amanda O'Toole