Some say they inspired the myth of Cupid’s arrow. And for a fellow snail at least, these little white arrows certainly do look like the perfect nuptial gift. They are white, approximately 1 centimetre in length (see above) and made of calcium carbonate, just like snail shells, so would surely be much appreciated: “like a box of chocolates”, as a researcher put it.
Unfortunately, the real motivation behind spearing your partner during sex turns out to be much less romantic. The goal is to cheat your chosen mate and father as many offspring as possible over the ensuing months. And…
