And don't forget those beetles that live on (and in) a few South American
and Philippine land snails..... The beetles have the same behavior when
they sense danger, i.e. collection of its host.

For more reading on the fascinating subject, consult:  Auffenberg, K.
1986.  A commensal relationship between Ryssota (Pulmonata, Helicarionidae)
and a beetle in the Philippines.  Malacological Review, 19:113-114.

That one almost got me on the cover of Time magazine.....Kurtles

At 11:40 AM 10/28/03 +0200, you wrote:
>Slugmites (Riccardoella) are feeding on mucus produced by terrestrial snails
>and slugs, but in case of danger they enter the mantle cavity by means of
>the pneumostone. So they are both interior and exterior 'parasites'.
>
>Henk K. Mienis
>
>[log in to unmask]
>
>----- Original Message -----
>From: "Andrew Grebneff" <[log in to unmask]>
>To: <[log in to unmask]>
>Sent: Tuesday, October 28, 2003 10:49 AM
>Subject: Re: Inedible mollusks, or say no to slug sushi
>
>
> > >Some snails have endogenous parasites (those that are not washed
> > >by the rain... Be carefull
> > >
> > >Fabio Wiggers
> > >  >
> > >
> > >
> > >>  Clean (snail picked up during rain, so it's clean and
> > >>  slime-free) and
> > >  > tasteless. No residue to wash out of your mouth.
> >
> > Landsnails with EXternal parasites?
> >
> >

Mr. Kurt Auffenberg
Operations Coordinator
Exhibits & Public Programs
University of Florida
Hull Road & SW 34th Street
Powell Hall, P.O. Box 112710
Gainesville, Florida 32611-2710

Telephone: 352-846-2000, ext. 253
Fax:  352-846-0253