The Lazy Naturalist - Sarasota, Florida

Exploring Nature in Sarasota, South Central Florida, and Beyond

Apple Snail (Pomacea canaliculata)

by Artie Visual, Categories: Insects & Inverts Tags:

Picture this: a leisurely day paddling through the serene waters of a Floridian wetland, the sun glinting off the surface, and the air alive with the hum of dragonflies. As you drift along, you spot a curious sight—large, globular creatures with spiral shells, slowly making their way through the aquatic vegetation. Meet the Apple Snail (Pomacea canaliculata), a remarkable yet contentious addition to Florida’s diverse ecosystem.

An Unlikely Immigrant

The journey of the Apple Snail to Florida is a tale of unintended consequences. Originally hailing from South America, these snails were introduced to various parts of the world for their potential as a food source and for the aquarium trade. Unfortunately, like many exotic species brought to foreign lands, the Apple Snail quickly found its way into natural waterways, where it established itself as a formidable invader.

Anatomy of an Apple Snail

The Apple Snail is an impressive mollusk, easily distinguished by its large, rounded shell, which can grow up to six inches in diameter. The shell varies in color, ranging from shades of brown and green to a striking golden hue. This hard exterior is not just for show—it provides protection against predators and harsh environmental conditions.

The snail’s body is equally fascinating. It possesses a long, muscular foot that allows it to glide smoothly through the water and across surfaces. One of the most intriguing features is its siphon, a tubular organ that enables the snail to breathe air from the surface while submerged. This adaptation is particularly advantageous in oxygen-poor waters, allowing the Apple Snail to thrive in a variety of aquatic habitats.

Reproduction and Lifecycle

Apple Snails are prolific breeders, and their reproductive strategy is a key factor in their invasive success. During the warmer months, females lay clusters of bright pink eggs on vegetation, rocks, or man-made structures above the waterline. These conspicuous egg masses can contain hundreds of eggs, each with the potential to hatch into a tiny snail.

Once hatched, the young snails grow rapidly, feeding voraciously on plant material. They reach maturity within a few months, ready to continue the cycle. This rapid growth and high reproductive rate enable Apple Snails to establish large populations quickly, outcompeting native species for resources.

Ecological Impact

The presence of Apple Snails in Florida’s waterways has significant ecological repercussions. As voracious herbivores, they consume vast quantities of aquatic vegetation, including native plants that provide crucial habitat and food for other wildlife. This feeding behavior can lead to the degradation of wetland ecosystems, affecting everything from water quality to the survival of fish and invertebrates.

Moreover, the damage caused by Apple Snails extends to agricultural areas, particularly rice paddies, where they can decimate crops. This not only impacts farmers but also threatens the delicate balance of agricultural ecosystems.

Predators and Natural Enemies

Despite their tough shells, Apple Snails are not without their predators. In Florida, they are preyed upon by birds such as limpkin and snail kite, both of which have evolved specialized techniques for extracting the snail from its shell. Additionally, certain fish and turtles will consume young snails.

Interestingly, the introduction of Apple Snails has had a mixed impact on these predators. While providing a new food source, the decline in native snail populations and changes in vegetation can also affect the overall health of these species.

Control and Management

Managing the Apple Snail invasion is a complex and ongoing challenge. Various methods have been employed to control their populations, with varying degrees of success. Mechanical removal, such as handpicking snails and egg masses, is labor-intensive but can be effective on a small scale.

Biological control, which involves introducing natural predators or diseases, offers a promising approach but requires careful research to avoid unintended ecological consequences. For example, the introduction of the black carp, a known predator of snails, has been considered but carries risks of its own as another potential invasive species.

Chemical control using molluscicides is another method, though it must be used with caution to prevent harm to non-target species and the broader environment. Integrated pest management strategies that combine these methods are often the most effective, tailored to the specific conditions and challenges of each affected area.

A Naturalist’s Perspective

From a naturalist’s viewpoint, the story of the Apple Snail in Florida is a vivid illustration of the complex interplay between human activity and natural ecosystems. These snails, with their intriguing biology and adaptability, are a testament to the resilience of life. However, their impact on native species and habitats underscores the importance of careful management and the prevention of future invasions.

Educational Opportunities

The presence of Apple Snails also presents an opportunity for education and engagement with the public. By learning about the challenges posed by invasive species, individuals can better appreciate the importance of protecting native biodiversity. Programs that involve communities in monitoring and controlling Apple Snail populations can foster a sense of stewardship and connection to local ecosystems.

The Future of Florida’s Waterways

Looking ahead, the battle against the Apple Snail and other invasive species will require continued vigilance and innovation. Research into new control methods and the restoration of affected habitats will be crucial. Additionally, preventing new introductions through stricter regulations and public awareness is essential to safeguarding Florida’s aquatic environments.

Conclusion

The Apple Snail, with its impressive shell and voracious appetite, is a remarkable yet problematic resident of Florida’s waterways. Its story is a reminder of the far-reaching consequences of introducing non-native species and the delicate balance required to maintain healthy ecosystems. As we navigate the challenges posed by this invasive snail, we are reminded of the intricate web of life that binds us all.

Through informed action and collaboration, we can work to mitigate the impact of the Apple Snail and protect the rich biodiversity that makes Florida’s wetlands so unique. Whether marveled at from a distance or managed with care, the Apple Snail remains a vivid chapter in the ongoing narrative of Florida’s natural history—an enduring symbol of both the resilience and fragility of our environment.

Pomacea canaliculata

Pomacea canaliculata, commonly known as the golden apple snail or the channeled apple snail, is a species of large freshwater snail with gills and an operculum, an aquatic gastropod mollusc in the family Ampullariidae, the apple snails. South American in origin, this species is considered to be in the top 100 of the "World's Worst Invasive Alien Species".[2] It is also ranked as the 40th worst alien species in Europe and the worst alien species of gastropod in Europe.[3]

Distribution

The native distribution of P. canaliculata is basically tropical and subtropical,[4] including Argentina, Bolivia, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Brazil.[5] The southernmost record for the species is Paso de las Piedras reservoir, south of the Buenos Aires province, Argentina.[6]

Drawing of the animal and the shell of Pomacea canaliculata

Non-indigenous distribution

This species also occurs in the United States, where the initial introductions were probably from aquarium release, aka "aquarium dumping". The non-indigenous distribution includes: Lake Wawasee in Kosciusko County, Indiana;[7] Langan Park and Three Mile Creek in Mobile, Alabama;[8][9] a pond bordering the Mobile-Tensaw River Delta in Baldwin County, Alabama;[9] Little Wekiva River, Orlando, Florida; a lake near Jacksonville, Florida;[10] Miramar Reservoir in San Diego County, California; and a pond near Yuma, Arizona. Established populations exist in California and Hawaii.[11]

Moving North, the Government of Alberta has labelled channeled apple snails as an invasive species.[12] Alberta's Minister of Environment and Protected Areas Rebecca Schulz, alongside the Alberta Invasive Species Council, is working hard to make Alberta invasive species free, which includes addressing the issue of channeled apple snails.

The species has been found in China since 1981.[13] Its initial point of distribution in China was Zhongshan city.[14]

The species has been found in Chile since 2009 with a restricted distribution.[15]

The species has also been found in the Philippines, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Papua New Guinea, parts of Indonesia and Malaysia, Singapore, and Guam. In 1980, the apple snail was introduced to south-east Asia as a food item and aquarium pet. First, it was introduced to Taiwan, then Japan, then Thailand and the Philippines. Instead of catching on, snails were released or escaped and have become a major agricultural pest.[16]

Samples taken 3 December 2020 in Mwea Constituency, Kirinyaga County, Kenya were the first in that country, and indeed the first in continental Africa.[17]

Shell description

The shells of these applesnails are globular in shape. Normal coloration typically includes bands of brown, black, and yellowish-tan; color patterns are extremely variable. Albino and gold color variations exist.[18][11]

The size of the shell is up to 150 millimetres (6 in) in length.[11]

Ecology

Habitat

Pomacea canaliculata egg masses are typically laid on emergent vegetation over freshwater bodies of water.

This species lives in freshwater lake, river, pond and swamp habitats and tolerates a wide range of temperatures.[19] In natural settings, they rely on grasses and other emergent vegetation growing along the perimeter of bodies of water to lay their eggs. Where invasive, they can utilize crops such as rice and taro as a substrate for reproduction.[20]

Feeding habits

Pomacea canaliculata is extremely polyphagous, feeding on vegetal (primarily macrophytophagous, feeding on floating or submersed higher plants), detrital, and animal matter. Diet may vary with age, with younger smaller individuals feeding on algae and detritus, and older, bigger (15 millimetres (19⁄32 in) and above) individuals later shifting to higher plants.[21]

This species negatively impacts rice and taro agriculture worldwide where it has been introduced.[11]

Life cycle

The egg masses of Pomacea canaliculata are a bright pink or orange in color
Eggs of Pomacea canaliculata, scale bar in cm (25⁄64 in).

In temperate climates, the egg-laying period of this species extends from early spring to early fall.[22] while in tropical areas reproduction is continuous. The duration of the reproductive period of P. canaliculata decreases with latitude, to a minimum of six months in the southern limit of its natural distribution.[6] Adult females oviposit on emergent vegetation at night, but will also lay their eggs on rocks and manmade surfaces like boats. Once laid, the eggs take approximately two weeks to hatch, during which time the bright pink or orange coloration of the eggs fades.[23]

First direct evidence (of all animals), that proteinase inhibitor from eggs of Pomacea canaliculata interacts as trypsin inhibitor with protease of potential predators, has been reported in 2010.[24]

Predators

The snail kite, Rostrhamus sociabilis, is a predator of this species in South America. The fire ant, Solenopsis geminata, has also been observed to prey upon this species.[25]

Parasites

Approximately 1% of the Pomacea canaliculata on sale on local markets in Dali City, Yunnan, China were found to be infected with pathogenic Angiostrongylus cantonensis in 2009.[26]

Control

Crude cyclotide extracts from both Oldenlandia affinis and Viola odorata plants showed molluscicidal activity comparable to the synthetic molluscicide metaldehyde.[27] Because submerging developing eggs below the water reduces hatching success, manipulating the water level in agricultural fields and dammed reservoirs may provide a tool for controlling invasive populations.[23]

Human use

Filipino ginataang kuhol (apple snails in coconut milk)

This species is edible. Pomacea canaliculata constitutes one of the three predominant freshwater snails found in Chinese markets.[28] In China and Southeast Asia, consumption of raw or undercooked snails of Pomacea canaliculata and other snails is the primary route of infection with Angiostrongylus cantonensis causing angiostrongyliasis.[26]

In Isan, Thailand these snails are collected and consumed. They are picked by hand or with a hand-net from canals, swamps, ponds, and flooded paddy fields during the rainy season. During the dry season when these snails are concealed under dried mud, collectors use a spade to scrape the mud in order to find them. The snails are usually collected by women and children.[29] After collection, the snails are cleaned and parboiled. They are then taken out of their shells, cut, and cleaned in salted water. After rinsing with water, they are mixed with roasted rice, dried chili pepper, lime juice, and fish sauce, and then eaten.[29]


Some French restaurants are trying to use Pomacea canaliculata as an alternative to escargot.[30] After boiling, remove Pomacea canaliculata guts and eggs. Washing only the muscular body with vinegar will eliminate the odor. As a result, it can be used as an alternative to escargot.[31]

Pomacea canaliculata has displaced some of the indigenous rice field apple snail species in the genus Pila traditionally eaten in Southeast Asia (including Thailand and the Philippines) such as Pila ampullacea and Pila pesmei; as well as the viviparid trapdoor snail (Cipangopaludina chinensis).[32][33]

In some paddy fields in Japan, Pomacea canaliculata is used to control weeds by allowing the snail to eat them. However, this method runs risk of the snails also eating young rice plants, and of spreading to nearby fields and waterways as an invasive pest.[34][35][36]

It is a part of the ornamental pet trade for freshwater aquaria.[37]

See also

References

This article incorporates public domain text from reference[11] and CC-BY-2.0 text from reference[29] and CC-BY-2.5 text from reference.[26]

  1. ^ Pastorino, G.; Darrigan, G. (2012). "Pomacea canaliculata". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2012: e.T166261A1124485. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2012-1.RLTS.T166261A1124485.en. Retrieved 19 November 2021.
  2. ^ 100 of the World's Worst Invasive Alien Species. Global Invasive Species Database http://www.iucngisd.org/database, accessed 29 September 2023.
  3. ^ Nentwig W, Bacher S, Kumschick S, Pyšek P, Vilà M (18 December 2017). "More than "100 worst" alien species in Europe". Biological Invasions. 20 (6): 1611–1621. doi:10.1007/s10530-017-1651-6. hdl:10261/158710.
  4. ^ Ihering H. (1919). "Las especies de Ampullaria' en la Argentina". I Reunión Nac Soc Arg Cs Nat (Actas): 329-350, Tucumán, Argentina.
  5. ^ Cowie R, Thiengo SC. "The apple snails of the Americas (Mollusca: Gastropoda: Ampullariidae: Asolene, Felipponea, Marisa, Pomacea, Pomella): a nomenclatural and type catalog". Malacologia. 45 (1): 41–100.
  6. ^ a b Martín PR, Estebenet AL, Cazzaniga NJ (2001). "Factors affecting the distribution of Pomacea canaliculata (Gastropoda: Ampullariidae) along its southernmost natural limit". Malacologia. 43 (1–2): 13–23.
  7. ^ "Channeled Applesnail." Aquatic Invasive Species. Indiana Department of Natural Resources, 16 June 2005. Web. 9 November 2013. <http://www.in.gov/dnr/files/CHANNELED_APPLE_SNAIL.pdf>.
  8. ^ D. Shelton, pers. comm. In: United States Geological Survey. 2008. Pomacea canaliculata. USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Database, Gainesville, FL. Revision Date: 2/4/2008
  9. ^ a b Ben Raines (29 January 2011). "Amazonian apple snails found in Baldwin pond". Press Register. Retrieved 17 February 2011.
  10. ^ J. Bernatis, pers. comm. In: United States Geological Survey. 2008. Pomacea canaliculata. USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Database, Gainesville, FL. Revision Date: 2/4/2008
  11. ^ a b c d e United States Geological Survey. 2008. Pomacea canaliculata. USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Database, Gainesville, FL. Revision Date: 2/4/2008
  12. ^ "Channeled Apple Snail". Alberta Invasive Species Council. Retrieved 29 May 2024.
  13. ^ doi/10.1371/journal.pntd.0000368.g004 map of distribution in 2007 Archived 7 September 2012 at archive.today
  14. ^ Lv S, Zhang Y, Liu HX, Hu L, Yang K, Steinmann P, et al. (2009). "Invasive snails and an emerging infectious disease: results from the first national survey on Angiostrongylus cantonensis in China". PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases. 3 (2): e368. doi:10.1371/journal.pntd.0000368. PMC 2631131. PMID 19190771. doi/10.1371/journal.pntd.0000368.g004 figure 4 Archived 7 September 2012 at archive.today
  15. ^ Jackson D, Jackson D (2009). "Registro de Pomacea canaliculata (LAMARCK, 1822) (AMPULLARIIDAE), molusco exótico para el norte de Chile". Gayana. 73 (1): 40–44. doi:10.4067/s0717-65382009000100006.
  16. ^ Mohan, Nalini (25 February 2002). "Introduced Species Summary Project Apple Snail (Pomacea canaliculata)". Columbia University. Retrieved 14 June 2021.
  17. ^ Buddie, Alan G. (ORCID); Rwomushana, Ivan (ORCID); Offord, Lisa C. (ORCID); Kibet, Simeon; Makale, Fernadis (ORCID); Djeddour, Djamila (ORCID); Cafa, Giovanni (ORCID); Vincent, Koskei K.; Muvea, Alexander M. (ORCID); Chacha, Duncan (ORCID); Day, Roger K. (ORCID) (25 March 2021). "First report of the invasive snail Pomacea canaliculata in Kenya". CABI Agriculture and Bioscience. 2 (1). CABI (Springer): 11. Bibcode:2021CABio...2...11B. doi:10.1186/s43170-021-00032-z. ISSN 2662-4044. {{cite journal}}: External link in |first10=, |first11=, |first1=, |first2=, |first3=, |first5=, |first6=, |first7=, and |first9= (help)CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  18. ^ Howells, R. Personal communication. Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. In: United States Geological Survey. 2008. Pomacea canaliculata. USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Database, Gainesville, FL. Revision Date: 2/4/2008
  19. ^ Wada T, Matsukura K (December 2007). "Seasonal Changes in Cold Hardiness of the Invasive Freshwater Apple Snail, Pomacea canaliculata (Lamarck) (Gastropoda: Ampullariidae)". Malacologia. 49 (2): 383–392. doi:10.4002/0076-2997-49.2.383. S2CID 85173507.
  20. ^ Rawlings TA, Hayes KA, Cowie RH, Collins TM (June 2007). "The identity, distribution, and impacts of non-native apple snails in the continental United States". BMC Evolutionary Biology. 7 (1): 97. Bibcode:2007BMCEE...7...97R. doi:10.1186/1471-2148-7-97. PMC 1919357. PMID 17594487.
  21. ^ Estebenet AL, Martín PR (April 2002). "Pomacea canaliculata (Gastropoda: Ampullariidae): life-history traits and their plasticity". Biocell. 26 (1): 83–9. PMID 12058384.
  22. ^ Bachmann A (October 1960). "Apuntes para una hidrobiología argentina. II. Ampullaria insularum Orb. y A. canaliculata Lam.(Moll. Prosobr., Ampullaridae). Observaciones biológicas y ecológicas". Actas y Trabajos Primer Congreso Sudamericano de Zoología. 1. La Plata, Argentina: 19–24.
  23. ^ a b Ismail SN, Abdul Wahab NI, Mansor M (2018). "Behavioural study of the golden apple snail (Pomacea canaliculata) in a Tropical Lake, Chenderoh Reservoir, Malaysia". Lakes & Reservoirs: Science, Policy and Management for Sustainable Use. 23 (3): 256–260. Bibcode:2018LRRM...23..256I. doi:10.1111/lre.12223. ISSN 1440-1770. S2CID 91175186.
  24. ^ Dreon MS, Ituarte S, Heras H (December 2010). "The role of the proteinase inhibitor ovorubin in apple snail eggs resembles plant embryo defense against predation". PLOS ONE. 5 (12): e15059. Bibcode:2010PLoSO...515059D. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0015059. PMC 2997075. PMID 21151935.
  25. ^ Yusa Y (2001). "Predation on eggs of the apple snail Pomacea canaliculata (Gastropoda: Ampullaridae) by the fire ant Solenopsis geminata". Journal of Molluscan Studies. 67 (3): 275–279. doi:10.1093/mollus/67.3.275.
  26. ^ a b c Lv S, Zhang Y, Chen SR, Wang LB, Fang W, Chen F, et al. (September 2009). Graeff-Teixeira C (ed.). "Human angiostrongyliasis outbreak in Dali, China". PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases. 3 (9): e520. doi:10.1371/journal.pntd.0000520. PMC 2739427. PMID 19771154.
  27. ^ Plan MR, Saska I, Cagauan AG, Craik DJ "Backbone cyclised peptides from plants show molluscicidal activity against the rice pest Pomacea canaliculata (golden apple snail)." J Agric Food Chem. 2008 Jul 9;56(13):5237-41
  28. ^ Lv S., Zhang Y., Steinmann P. &, Zhou X.-N. (2008). "Emerging angiostrongyliasis in mainland China". Emerging Infectious Diseases 14(1): 161–164. HTM.
  29. ^ a b c Setalaphruk C, Price LL (October 2007). "Children's traditional ecological knowledge of wild food resources: a case study in a rural village in Northeast Thailand". Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine. 3 (3): 33. doi:10.1186/1746-4269-3-33. PMC 2100045. PMID 17937791.
  30. ^ "ジャンボタニシ食材に 食感「エスカルゴのよう」 佐倉の伊料理店 プレゼンテ・スギ". www.chibanippo.co.jp (in Japanese). Retrieved 25 April 2022.
  31. ^ イッチ (16 August 2019). "田んぼのジャンボタニシについて". icchinosora.com (in Japanese). Retrieved 25 April 2022.
  32. ^ Wood TS, Anurakpongsatorn P, Chaichana R, Mahujchariyawong J, Satapanajaru T (May 2006). "Heavy predation on freshwater bryozoans by the golden apple snail, Pomacea canaliculata Lamarck, 1822 (Ampullariidae). Tropical Natural History". The Natural History Journal of Chulalongkorn University. 6 (1): 31–6.
  33. ^ Baoanan ZG, Roberto C P (2006). "Taxonomy of Golden Apple Snails (Ampullariidae)". In Joshi RC, Sebastian LS (eds.). Global advances in ecology and management of golden apple snails. Philippine Rice Research Institute. ISBN 9789712201844.
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  37. ^ Ng TH, Tan SK, Wong WH, Meier R, Chan SY, Tan HH, Yeo DC (2016). "Molluscs for Sale: Assessment of Freshwater Gastropods and Bivalves in the Ornamental Pet Trade". PLOS ONE. 11 (8): e0161130. Bibcode:2016PLoSO..1161130N. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0161130. PMC 4985174. PMID 27525660.

Further reading

source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pomacea_canaliculata

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