During the peak of British power (mid to late 1800's) it was not unusual for
architectural elements to be removed from temples, villas, castles, etc. in
Italy and Greece and transported whole to adorn the estates of the British
landed gentry.  It's not hard to imagine snails hitching a ride on such
things, especially species adapted to making it through dry seasons by
aestivating.


- John





>From: "Martin H. Eastburn" <[log in to unmask]>
>Reply-To: Conchologists List <[log in to unmask]>
>To: [log in to unmask]
>Subject: Re: [CONCH-L] These stowaways have been laying low for a while...
>Date: Thu, 21 Aug 2008 11:15:05 -0500
>
>This reminds me of the Toad that was said to be in hibernation for 50 years
>in a cornerstone.  They built a new court house (or something) and took
>down
>the old one - opened the cornerstone and the toad slowly came to life.
>It was
>a side show by itself and has a resting place of honor back at home.
>
>On the snails - could it not be egg casings that were laid in pores of
>the limestone
>and when the limestone eroded (melted) away or cement cracked off that
>they got
>moisture enough to hatch and come forth.
>
>I think there are desert toads and fish? like that.  Why not mollusks as
>well.
>
>
>Martin
>
>

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