A hermaphrodite is both male and female – it possesses both male and female reproductive organs. Today’s main subjects are hermaphrodites, illustrated with a brief courtship and mating sequence.

Found a pair of snails in an odd position, with both upside down. At first, I thought they were dead, but on closer observation, they were actually connected by a tendon-like tissue.

These are the Giant African Land Snails (Achatina fulica), or GALS in short. They used to be kept as pets, but are also well known to be serious threats to agricultural fields. As such, it has been deemed illegal to keep them in some countries, such as the USA. (ref)

First, a little diagram to illustrate the parts of a snail!



The penis is normally inverted, and everts out during mating. It emerges from the vagina (!!?!) and both will take on the male and female roles.

#1 The connection. Each takes on both the male and female role while mating.

#2 Disconnecting when done, one connection left!

#3 An intimate moment, I thought they were going through courtship again for round 2! Erection noticed. lol

#4 After everything, both stared at me like I’m some sick pervert.. oops

#5 I don’t wanna come out!!! (it was actually extending out.. see next pic to see how)

#6 Little animation of the snail extending out from it’s shell

#7 Close up of a handsome Soldier Fly (Stratiomyidae)

#8 And it found some water!

The complete album can be viewed here.

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