Apple Snail, Ampullariidae spp.
ALERT SPECIES
Several species in the Ampullariidae family are known as Apple Snails. Apple snails have been sold in pet and aquarium stores due to their decorative shells, and ability to clean surfaces of algae buildup.
When introduced to non-native areas, they can rapidly alter the aquatic ecosystems due to their aggressive feeding style and rapid growth rate. They are voracious and opportunistic, feeding omnivorous aquatic vegetation and other snail species. Apple snails are also amphibious and can survive seasonally in both terrestrial and aquatic environments. Distinguishing features of apple snails are a round shell, feeding tentacles near their mouth, and a breathing tube (siphon) that they use to breath while staying submerged. They also lay bright pink eggs.
Is your snail and Apple Snail?
Prevention is key. Do not purchase this species. Never release aquarium animals, plants or even aquarium water into waterways.
Chinese Mystery Snail, Cipangopaludina chinensis
ALERT SPECIES
Chinese mystery snails have been sold in the pet and aquarium trade. They are a large species, which is able to out-compete native species and can reproduce rapidly to very high densities. They are able to retract into their shells, closing a shell door and thus survive out of water for up to four weeks. They have a very large, cone-shaped shell, up to 6.5 cm tall with 6-7 whorls. Juvenile snails are light brown while adults range from olive green to ruddy brown.
Although known to infest some waterbodies on southern Vancouver Island, they are unknown from mainland BC.
Prevention is key. Do not purchase this species. Never release aquarium animals, plants or even aquarium water into waterways.
Banded Snail, Cepaea nemoralis
Common in many parts of the CSRD
The banded or brown-lipped snail is a terrestrial invasive snail, native to Europe. The name comes not from the stripes around the shell, but from the brown band around the shell opening. Snails of this species can vary significantly in colour from red, to yellow or white, with or without stripes. Typically, these snails preferentially feed on detritus. .
Do not transport this species. Ensure plant pots and garden furniture are free of snails before transport.
Never dump garden waste in unapproved sites. Garden waste is accepted free of charge at CSRD landfill sites.