33); males without copulatory structures. They are beautiful when they are alive because the body of the snail is black with tiny white dots like the milky way galaxy. Other species deposit eggs during the period of March through May, at which time the adults die and immature forms dominate the population through August or September. 64). 151, 152). Identification should conform with all data in the key and with geographic distributions. Shell usually with raised spiral threads around periphery, frequently the uppermost thread has conical or triangular spines (Figs. Shell squat, compact, cylindric-conical in shape, thick and opaque. (Clench & Turner, 1956). The Junonia is seldom found, and is considered a special find by beachcombers. The snails remain a threat in Hawaii and the Caribbean after their eradication in Florida in 2021. The species of snail was present in Florida in the 1960s and 1970s before being eradicated in 1975, the FDACS said. Shell sculptured with prominent nodes overlapping suture and forming crenulations. 67). Wm. (Fig. It can grow to a length of 16 inches (400 millimeters) and is easily identifiable by the left-handed opening of the shell - meaning when you look at the shell, the opening is on the left. (Thompson, 1968). Univ. The number of whorls persent on the shell can help you easily identify the snail species. Narrowly umbilicate. 131). Occasional Papers on Mollusks, 2: 385-412. Suture relatively shallow. Mantle diffusely pigmented or unpigmented. The family contains numerous genera and species, some of which are important medically as intermediate hosts for trematode parasites. They are commonly found on live aquatic plant stems, dead leaves and sticks, and on bottles and cans. 116a, 116b). Occasional Papers of the Museum of Zoology, University of Michigan, (456): 1-6. 119). Dasyscia franzi Shell highly variable in shape; freshwater forms olivaceous or brown; adults with about 4.5-6.0 whorls; about 3.5-4.5 mm long (Fig. Spire shorter, conical, 0.7-1.3 times length of aperture, nearly straight-sided in outline, suture of whorls weakly or moderately impressed. Basch (1963) revised the classification and recognized only twelve species. The last time anyone had seen a land snail in the Sunshine State was at the tail-end of a year-long, $23-million battle to eradicate the invasive species from South Florida in 2012. Thick-lipped Rams-horn A single species consisting of two highly variable subspecies occurs in Florida. Land Snail (Bulimulus sporadicus)A large group of Bulimulus sporadicus found in the Florida panhandle. 129). 5: 1-140. Laevapex is a North American genus. Length of shell 2.6-3.0 mm (Fig. Sides of spire slightly convex. Burch, J.B. 1989. Shell with darker colored spiral chords that may be smooth or wavy. Umbilicus open. Outer lip partially flattened in adults. 149). 1980. Whorls rounded, not carinate above; occasionally angular below. Tadpole Physa Officials in Florida are again battling a highly invasive, extraordinarily destructive giant snail species that also happens to be capable of spreading parasitic worms that invade human brains . Length of shell 2.0-2.5 mm (Fig. Pseudotryonia brevissimus 99). Penis with 7-50 papillae along right margin and 1-4 papillae along distal third of left margin (Figs. 1979a. Penis with one papilla on left margin (Fig. Gainesville, Florida 32611-7800. 113). Aperture widely separated from preceding whorl. A giant African snail sighting in Florida enacted a quarantine over parasite concerns. Basch, P.F. Seminole Rams-horn It has many colorful stripes, colors, and bands on its shell which are usually orange, light orange, dark orange, or yellow. (Thompson, 1968). Whorls of spire pointed and scalariform (steplike with nearly flat shoulders and deep sutures). (Fig. 136, 138). Fighting a new infestation of an invasive, crop-damaging snail, Florida agriculture officials on Thursday said they have collected 1,000 of the creatures in just over a week in Pasco County, where they were recently discovered following two years in abeyance. . Cockscomb Hydrobe 111). Shell depressed. Radial riblets on entire surface of shell except apex. Outer lip nearly straight and parallel to axis of shell in adults (Fig. Laevapex peninsulas Operculum loosely coiled, with 3.75 large whorls, the outer one expanding more rapidly than the others (Figs. A catalogue of the Viviparidae of North America with notes on the distribution of Viviparus georgianus Lea. Shell dark brown. Aperture rhomboid; baso-columellar angle extended as slight tonguelike projection; basal lip broadly but shallowly indented (Fig. Whorls globose, with a deeply impressed suture. Penis with papillae along both margins, or right margin only (papillae absent in some Aphaostracon). Mihalcik, E. L. & F. G. Thompson. Widely umbilicate. Aperture ovate; baso-columellar angle not extended; basal lip not indented. Many species are secondarily modified to appear right-handed or pseudo-dextral (FIGS. Shell usually planispiral, but two species may have a flat-topped, elevated spire. Smooth-ribbed Hydrobe Average length about 4 mm (Figs. State officials said the last live snail found in Florida before the Pasco . The rosy wolfsnail was introduced into Hawaii in 1955 as a biological control for the invasive . Aperture moderately oblique. Each snail has both female and male reproductive organs, so they can reproduce rapidly. Most other genera have received relatively minor attention, and their systematics are in flux. According to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS), the giant African snail, commonly referred to as GALS by invasive-species aficionados, is native to East Africa . Occasionally it may be necessary to turn to other information sources to determine identifications with a greater degree of certainty.. Suture not as deeply impressed as in 77b. Baker, F.C. They were detected in 2011 in Miami-Dade County and eradicated again in 2021. Outer lip of aperture nearly straight in lateral profile (Figs. Elimia clenchi Penis with large a terminal lobe on the left side and a smaller appendix-like flagellum on the right side. (Vanatta, 1934). Aphaostracon monas Shell with about 4.5-5.0 whorls; about 3.0-4.8 mm long (Fig. Pewter Physa Shell with 5.0-6.5 whorls; about 3-5 mm long (Fig. Florida Press, Gainesville: i-xv, 1-68; pls. 89, 90). There is much disagreement as to how many species actually exist. Peristome incomplete around aperture. Shell conical to elongate-conical; whorls 4.0-4.5 with a deeply impressed suture. This family includes four North American genera, Amnicola, Dasyscia, Colligyrus and Lyogyrus, and the European genus Marstoniopsis and some Asian genera. This species is a fast and voracious predator, hunting and eating other snails and slugs. 1969. One species occurs naturally in Florida, and three others have been introduced. Base of shell usually without spiral band. More data based on many population samples from throughout this range will be necessary before the validity of the three forms can be determined. Apex proportionally longer, about 0.3-0.5 times length of shell. Spire depressed, much less than height of aperture, occasionally planular (Figs. (Say, 1829). Shaggy Ghostsnail Shell smaller, generally less than 12 mm long. Never preserve shell specimens in formalin. Penis as illustrated (Fig. In previous editions of the manual the Florida species were placed in the genus Physella. Operculum paucispiral, with about three rapidly expanding whorls (Fig. Size: 2-4 cm. M-879 CONE SNAIL, Conus floridanus A small and less poisonous species, no one has ever died or been stung by one of these slow-movers, but like all cones, they have a venomous proboscis. Snails in wild populations range in shell color from yellow to brownish-black, and may contain stripes or dimpling. Shell usually squarish or rectangular in shape. Applesnails are tropical to subtropical organisms and cannot survive below 50F in the winter (Florida DOACS, 2002). As of last . Bulletin of the Florida State Museum, Biological Sciences, 1: 97-239. Thiarids are found in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Rock Fossaria Mantle mottled with black spots and blotches. Sides of spire concave in outline (Fig. The International Commision on Zoological Nomenclature has ruled that AMPULLARIIDAE is the valid name for this family of snails. Base of shell regularly expanding, not funnel-shaped. Each: $28.50 M-890 BANDED TULIP SHELL, Fasciolaria lilium A small predatory snail that feeds on clams. Fortunately in Florida, the species are relatively easy to distinguish. 105, 106). RELATED: Proof of megalodon extinction is in their teeth, scientists say. (Frauenfeld, 1863). Taylor, D. W. 2003. Length of shell 2.0-2.4 mm (Fig. Spurwinkia: Morphology, systematics, and ecology of a new genus of North American marshland Hydrobiidae (Mollusca: Gastropoda). Shell narrow, terete or cylindric-conical with a moderately impressed suture. Radial striations present or absent Laevapex Walker, 1903. Color often glossy reddish brown. (Thompson, 1968). Ph.D. thesis, University of Michigan, i-xii, 1-324. Whorls of spire strongly arched or rounded. The snails live in the bays and mudflats, but after they die their shells wash up on the beaches. Jan. 28, 2020 . Dipping them in a dilute solution of oxalic acid and gently scrubbing them with a fine brush can clean such specimens. Veliger, 45:269-271. It is hoped that this manual will stimulate other biologists to contribute to our knowledge of freshwater mollusks. Shell large, 80-100 mm wide. Te, G.A. Floridobia mica NotogiIlia wetherby Penis with 3-7 papillae along right margin and a projection with 1-4 papillae near end on left side (Figs. Sides of spire straight-sided in outline. Mantle spotted with black, shaded or unmarked; terminal lobe of penis with complex crests that cause it to look like an animals head; flagellum slender, with scattered and discontinuous glands along edge (Figs. One species, Spilochlamys turgida (Thompson, 1969), the Pumpkin Siltsnail (Fig. The criterion of inbreeding for defining species cannot be applied, and other objective criteria are not yet been established. 59). They are most common on tropical islands but occur also in cold regions, where they hibernate. Aperture enlarged (dilated). (Thompson, 1968). Amnicola dalli. (Thompson, 1968). 143). Florida's Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services said that a Pasco County master gardener reported seeing a giant African land snail in the New Port Richey area on June 23. 180-193). Body whorl relatively narrow, not conspicuously enlarging near aperture (Fig. Planorbella scalaris The Snail Kite uses its slender, curved bill to extract its primary prey, the apple snail, from its shell. Choctaw Lioplax This genus of minute freshwater snails is endemic to the Florida peninsula. Aperture comma-shaped, tightly appressed against preceding whorl. In Pasco County Florida, a quarantine order was issued for people after the re-discovery of the giant African land snail, an invasive species that can harm to humans, structures, and wildlife. Shell cylindric-conical, solid opaque; 4.5-4.9 moderately rounded whorls. Florida Shell Guide. Thompson, F.G. 1968. Being nocturnal, these pests aren't always feeding when you're scouting. The greatest diversity of genera and species is in the Indo-Australian region. Vas deferens the only duct present in penis (Fig. Haitia cubensis 126); accessory crest present on penis. Vertical ribs smooth along the periphery, strongly developed (Fig. Vertical ribs relatively strong and more widely spaced. 1934. Review of the Planorbidae of Florida with notes on other members of the family. Aphaostracon asthenes Shell globose or tear-shaped. Parietal margin of operculum concave (Fig. Definitive identifications may require anatomical dissections and reference to other literature. Last whorl of adult shell smooth or with growth striations, but not with ribs and spiral chords. Published April 18, 2013 Squaremouth Amnicola Shell variable in shape. Floridobia wekiwae Females ovoviviparous or oviparous. Green Cove Springsnail Lip of adult shell usually with a thick crest externally and an internal callus. Shell brightly banded and with large, wide and wavey vertical folds; robust, usually 21-25 mm long (Fig. Common name: Florida applesnail Taxonomy: available through Identification: This species is the largest freshwater gastropod native to North America (Burch 1982). We Floridians have so much to be proud of. This pest remains a threat in Florida, Hawaii and the Caribbean. 1978. Adult size small, about 12-16 mm long (Fig. Clench, W.J. Snails have invaded some local areas throughout northern Santa Rosa and Escambia Counties this summer. Operculum corneas, without pegs on inner or outer surface. Shell smaller, reaching a maximum diameter of 13 mm. (Fig.114). 57). Florida Applesnail Shell elongate conical, spire high. Males with penis at anterior right corner of mantle cavity. This is particularly so in the Pulmonata. Penis simple, elongate-conical, without papillae (Fig. (Say, 1829). Marginal teeth of radula trapezoidal with well-differentiated cusps. 172). 39). The reader may be troubled by the imprecise shell characteristics that are used in the key. Shell relatively thin. 141). Female oviparous, never with embryos in uterus. Shell with or without bands; slender; Suture deeply impressed; upper whorls with a strongly carinate periphery (Fig. Aperture elliptical or trapezoidal in shape. Peninsula Ancylid (Walker, 1908). Floridobia petrifons Low-dome Physa MIAMI-DADE, Fla. As if 2020 did not have enough surprises and curveballs, an invasive snail located in the U.S. for the first time was discovered in-- you guessed it, Florida. It is troublesome mostly in southern Florida as far north as Tampa, but because potted plants are regularly moved northward it can appear almost anywhere. Average length about 5 mm (Figs. Photo: University of Florida. Surface smooth, glossy, striations when present very weak. It was well received, and it served the interests and needs of many people. The deterioration process is not reversible. Newborn shells white. Adult shells about 40-60 mm high (Fig. Slough Hydrobe Operculum constructed entirely of concentric rings (Fig. Shell with 5.6-6.8 whorls; about 3.2-4.5 mm long (Fig. Viviparus contectoides limi, new name for V. c. compactus Pils. (Pilsbry, 1899). Whorls 4.6-5.3. Aperture relatively ample (Figs. 53). Pomatiopsis lapidaria 199). Sexes strongly dimorphic in size, males about half as long as females. Elimia floridensis In Florida, the African land snail existed largely in Miami-Dade County, although hundreds of the pests were found in Broward County, specifically western Davie, in 2014. . Three new freshwater snails of the genus Cincinnatia from peninsular Florida. Clifton Spring Hydrobe Carib Physa (Clench & Turner, 1956). Dusky Ancylid Adult shell about 4-5 mm high; umbilicus wide; columellar margin of the aperture concave in outline (Fig. Shell large, 3.7-4.5 mm long; adults with 4.6-5.3 whorls; lower corner of aperture slightly extended forward as a weak, tongue-like projection (Fig. Lioplax pilsbryi pilsbryi Newborn young about 4.5 mm in diameter (this can be determined by removing juveniles from brood pouch). This study was a landmark contribution to the malacology of the southeast, and it summarized the known fauna of western Florida. Shell more slender and attenuate; spire more elongate in adults, about 0.7- 1.0 times height of aperture. 81-83). In 1976 in the St. Johns River 1 found Melanoides tuberculatus with population densities of 10,000/m2. The sexes are separate and fertilization is internal (Andrews, 1964). An invasive, giant snail species, that can also lead to outbreaks of meningitis, has been found in New Port Richey. Shell thick and solid; whorls weakly convex or flattened (Figs. They can also carry rat lungworm, which causes meningitis in humans. Umbilical perforation wide, 1/6 to 1/8 diameter of shell. (Pilsbry and Johnson, 1903). Aperture elliptical and usually attached to preceding whorl; 4.1-4.5 whorls present. Pomacea paludosa Apex less than 0.4 times length of shell. Ferrissia is widely distributed in the northern hemisphere. Penny Sprite) Micromenetus floridensis (Baker, 1945). Nautilus, 97: 68-69. Body whorl inflated. Penis with two or more longitudinal crests within U-shaped superior tubercle (Fig. Thompson, F. G. 2000. Littoridinops palustris Aphaostracon hypohyalina Three other species occur farther north. Is non-native to the area, in our case northwest Florida (Say, 1817). Most snails will have a conical shaped shell. Shell unicolor brown, never mottled with reddish spots. A giant African land snail, photographed at a lab in 2014. University of Florida (Thompson & Hershler, 1991). Bugle Sprite Aperture usually open; occasionally with a horizontal, shelf-like septum closing posterior part (Fig. Shell coiled to the left, with the aperture on the left side (Figs.147-158). 159). Ancylid gastropods are small, fragile limpets found in most freshwater habitats. Walkerana, 13: 1-108. Though small, this elusive specimen is a rare and valuable jewel, waiting to be discovered. There is no consensus in systematic biology about how to treat these forms. Haitia pomilia pomilia Malacological Review, 12: 87-88. Apex with fine radial striations (Figs. An investigation by FDACS Division of Plant Industry found multiple positive sites with the snail in Miami-Dade County. Prominent vertical ribs on middle and upper whorls. Central tooth of radula with basocones located on fore or lateral wing of tooth (Figs. They are brown in color and have a striped pattern. (Thompson, 1968). Important diagnostic characteristics for subfamilies, genera, and species are found in the female reproductive system, the male reproductive organ (the penis), and modifications of the radular teeth.