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Aestivation

Apple snails live in wetlands that periodically go dry. These 'dry downs' are essential to maintain the emergent vegetation needed by apple snails.

Open operculum of exotic canaliculata

During dry downs, snails must conserve water. To survive the dry down, apple snails aestivate (go into a state of dormancy). Aestivation is accomplished by sealing off the aperture (the opening of the shell) with the operculum (a part of the foot that covers the aperture).

Closed operculum of exotic canaliculata

During this time they remain motionless in the marsh until water levels rise again. Most Florida adult snails can survive 3-4 months in aestivation, but newly hatched snails are too small to survive dry conditions. This means that egg laying of adults must be timed early enough so that there is still water when the young hatch.