Magma Snail

"....What's that?"
"What's what?
"THAT YOU BLIND FUCK, RIGHT GODS DAMNED THERE!"
"Ohhhh.... Magma snail."
"WHAT THE FUCK IS A MAGMA SNAIL?!"
— Unknown
 

Toasted

  Magma snails have evolved to not only survive but thrive in the intense heat of volcanic regions. Their thick, heat-resistant skin allows them to crawl over solidified lava and rocky surfaces that would be inhospitable to most other forms of life. The snails feed on the mineral-rich substances found in these areas, absorbing nutrients that contribute to the strength and durability of their distinctive shells.   The shells of magma snails are their most defining characteristic, having been formed from the same materials as the volcanic rock around them. These shells provide protection from both predators and the extreme environment, with the outer layer of the shell being rugged and uneven, mimicking the surface of cooled lava, while the inner layers provide insulation against the intense heat.  

Sorry, meant toasty

  Magma snails are slow-moving, methodical creatures, leaving a trail of cooled rock in their wake as they traverse the volcanic landscape. This trail often becomes a natural pathway that cools quicker than the surrounding lava, creating temporary safe passages in otherwise dangerous areas.   These snails play a crucial role in their intense ecosystem. As they move and feed, they help break down and distribute the minerals in the soil, enriching the environment and enabling other, more heat-resistant, plants to establish themselves in the harsh volcanic soil.   There are many ways to resolve an encounter with a magma snail, including leaving them alone or stepping on them. However, it must be noted that stepping on them is a tremendously bad idea and has almost always resulted in someone losing a significant amount of skin from their foot from the searing heat they put themselves into.

Comments

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Dec 31, 2023 23:40 by Dr Emily Vair-Turnbull

Why would you step on the snail? :( Poor snail baby.   I love the idea of the magma snail.

Jan 1, 2024 02:57 by Andrew

People are mean, it's why they deserve the consequences of stepping on them

Jan 2, 2024 12:54

Stepping on a snail doesn't sound like a very smart idea :D   Also those two headers made me laugh. Once again a very nice article

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Jan 2, 2024 13:29 by Andrew

I'm glad to hear they made you laugh! :D

Jan 25, 2024 19:07 by Rin Garnett

These remind me of the scaly-foot snails! Though they live underwater.

Jan 26, 2024 02:47 by Andrew

I think these fellas would make people boil if they wandered underwater

Feb 2, 2024 07:08

Another great starting quote for a fun article.   I am wondering a bit on the size, as they are small enough to step on, but obviously big enough to notice.

Check out some of my summer camp articles, like the dangerous flying jackalope or dragon wasps. Or, for something more light-hearted, there is the whimsical language Gobbledygook and Jaden's interesting job as a guano polisher.
Feb 3, 2024 14:16 by Andrew

They are roughly the size of a giant guinea pig!