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RadiolabMar 6, 2026

Snail Sex Tape

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Snail Sex Tape mentions Nature's Nether Regions by Menno Stiltausen with timestamps, quotes, and episode context.

3 books from this episode
Nature's Nether Regions
Menno Stiltausen

If you want to read more about snail sex, you should go check out Menno's book called Nature's Nether Regions.

Episode summary
In this episode, we consider a creature we often don’t think much about—the snail. And not just snails, but their sex lives. Which, as it turns out, is epic. There is persuasion and subterfuge, spaghetti penises and co-copulation. And this very surprising habit—erm kink—of making tiny arrows (actually!) and stabbing each other with them. Known as a “love dart,” these limestone daggers aren’t just a strange trick of nature—they have a deep evolutionary purpose. Special thanks to Menno Schilthuizen and Aaron Chase.EPISODE CREDITS: Hosted by - Molly WebsterReported by - Molly WebsterProduced by - Mona Madgavkar, Annie McEwen, Molly WebsterSound design contributed by - Mona Madgavkar, Annie McEwenFact-checking by - Diane A. Kellyand Edited by - Alex Neason EPISODE CITATIONS:Videos - A love dart being DARTED! (https://zpr.io/rYhLwXhaxQQP) – Molly has watched this video so many timesArticles - Changes in the reproductive system of the snail Helix aspersa caused by mucus from the love dart. (https://zpr.io/xxjuCcTyiVJV) by Koene JM, Chase R. J Exp Biol. The snail's love-dart delivers mucus to increase paternity. By Chase R, Blanchard KC. Proc Biol Sci. A love-dart at the heart of sexual conflict in snails (https://zpr.io/X2ANHPaEg5sr) by Foote C ** This article has an image of eight different love darts, and it’s what Molly shows to Soren in the episode (this image is one of her favorite research finds!) Books - “Nature’s Nether Regions: What the Sex Lives of Bugs, Birds, and Beasts Tell Us About Evolution, Biodiversity, and Ourselves” (https://zpr.io/ktMvJbZciCdD) by evolutionary biologist Menno Schilthuizen. Signup for our newsletter!! It includes short essays, recommendations, and details about other ways to interact with the show. Sign up (https://radiolab.org/newsletter)! Radiolab is supported by listeners like you. Support Radiolab by becoming a member of The Lab (https://members.radiolab.org/) today. Follow our show on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook @radiolab, and share your thoughts with us by emailing [email protected]. Leadership support for Radiolab’s science programming is provided by the Simons Foundation and the John Templeton Foundation. Foundational support for Radiolab was provided by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation.
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Nature's Nether Regions
Menno Stiltausen

The host mentioned 'Nature's Nether Regions' to highlight the fascinating biological aspects of snail reproduction, s…

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What is Snail Sex Tape about?

Summary, books mentioned, transcript quotes, and timestamps for Snail Sex Tape on Radiolab.

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  • The conversation centers on snail sex and love darts.
  • Referenced books include Nature's Nether Regions by Menno Stiltausen.
  • The strongest audience signal points to Individuals interested in biology and natural history.
  • In this episode, we consider a creature we often don’t think much about—the snail. And not just snails, but their sex lives. Which, as it turns out, is epic. There is pe…

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Nature's Nether Regions by Menno Stiltausen are the clearest linked books in this episode, each tied back to transcript timestamps and quote cards.

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Highly Recommended(1)
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Individuals interested in biology and natural history

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Nature's Nether Regions cover
Nature's Nether Regions
Menno Stiltausen
Best for Individuals interested in biology and natural historyOften cited around snail sex and love darts

If you want to read more about snail sex, you should go check out Menno's book called Nature's Nether Regions. There's a whole chapter on snail sex.

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Sentiment: Highly Recommended
For: Individuals interested in biology and natural history
Key quote: If you want to read more about snail sex, you should go check out Menno's book called Nature's Nether Regions.
The host mentioned 'Nature's Nether Regions' to highlight the fascinating biological aspects of snail reproduction, specifically the concept of love darts. This book provides an in-depth exploration of these topics, making it a valuable resource for those interested in the subject.
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Nature's Nether Regions
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If you want to read more about snail sex, you should go check out Menno's book called Nature's Nether Regions.
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Nature's Nether Regions cover
Mentioned at 27:28
Nature's Nether Regions
Menno Stiltausen

The host mentioned 'Nature's Nether Regions' to highlight the fascinating biological aspects of snail reproduction, specifically the concept of lov…

Amazon search results · affiliate link

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