Wikijunior:Animal Kingdom/Mollusks

Snails are a type of mollusk.

Mollusks are not members of the insect family, but many people think they are. Mollusks can be distinguished from insects by their lack of wings, legs, and the fact that they are not warm-blooded. Although one might be tempted to be scared of mollusks, they are normally quite gentle and harmless. Mollusks have not been known to attack human beings in the wild or in captivity. To care for a mollusk, wash it gently and feed it small leaves or twigs. Most people do not recommend keeping mollusks as pets, however. A mollusk may or may not have a shell. Nevertheless mollusks are often considered pests, and are hunted in gardens and by small children.