The image of the snail as a slow-moving and unadventurous creature has been challenged in a study by Exeter University.
Researchers found that they get quite active after dark - and can explore the length of an average British garden in just one night.
The study used LED lights and ultra-violet paint markings to follow the snails' movements and found that they can travel up to 25 metres in a 24 hour period.. often moving in convoy and using existing slime trails to conserve their own energy.
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