In October 2015, the smallest land snail ever found was discovered.  Hungarian shell collector András Hunyadi on an expedition to Guangxi, a region of southern China, found the snail in limestone-rich soil, which the snails use to build their shells. He then sent the species off to friend and land snail expert Barna Páll-Gergely, who realized these were the smallest land snails ever discovered. 

Ten of these snails can fit into the eye of a needle; the smallest one found had a shell height of just 0.03 inches.

I learned that the snails are part of a species called micro snails, which I did not even know existed. Apparently they are fairly common and can be found in mostly aquatic environments, although scientists do not know much about them.

According to Páll-Gergely, " the shells are quite distinct, with various heights; widths; number of shell swirls; shapes of shell openings; and even the number, shape, and size of the snail's teeth, which help protect its soft body from predators."

I think this article is really interesting because it shows some of the discoveries and work that scientists are doing each day, that I know very little about. I think it is fascinating that ten snails can fit into the head of a needle. 

Arnold, Carrie. "Newly Discovered Snails Fit in Eye of a Needle." National Geographic. National Geographic Society, 14 June 2017. Web. 15 June 2017.