florida snail identification florida snail identification

Operculum paleomelanian, with a large sub-centrally located nucleus (Fig. 36). Our beaches often rank at or near the top in the world. Walker, B. Vas deferens the only duct present in penis (Fig. Stately Elimia One species, C. chinensis malleatus (Reeve, 1863) (Fig. (Pilsbry, 1899). 132). 72-74). Blackwater Ancylid Micromenetus d. dilatus Shell elongate, thin, transparent, grayish. The snails remain a threat in Hawaii and the Caribbean after their eradication in Florida in 2021. Nucleus of operculum spiral and then surrounded by concentric growth rings (Fig. A review of the recent freshwater limpet snails of North America. Shell sculptured with prominent nodes overlapping suture and forming crenulations. It also was the first adequately illustrated faunal summary published on the Southeast. The snails are tan colored, high and conical, with mature snails about to 1-inch long. 159-196). Malacologia, 23: 81-82. Size: 2-4 cm. Shell conical, spire moderatly high. After the snails have been in the fixative for a few minutes to several hours, depending upon their sizes, they should be rinsed in water and transferred to 70 percent ethyl alcohol. 48). Shell discoidal, grayish-white in color; transparent when fresh. Sculpture consisting of axial striations only (Fig.147). This is not the first time Florida has dealt with an invasion of giant snails. The state says a "gastropod enthusiast" collected unusual snails in the Coconut Grove area back in August. Shell glossy. 131). The number of whorls persent on the shell can help you easily identify the snail species. Ecology: This large snail is found in freshwater lakes, rivers, streams, ponds and ditches, preferring slow-moving water. Little is known about these animals, and diverse opinions exist as to how many species are recognizable. Umbilicus wide (Fig. 88). Identification of Marine Snails reefdup Identification, Snails July 3, 2020 Cerith, Collonista, Collumbellid, Conch, Limpet, Nassarius, Nerite, Ninja, Pyramidellid, Snail, Stomatella, Turbo, Vermetid 3 Comments Marine snails come in all shapes, sizes, colors, and function, so proper identification is crucial! Pomacea paludosa, common name the Florida applesnail, is a species of freshwater snail with an operculum, an aquatic gastropod mollusk in the family Ampullariidae, the apple snails . The VIVIPARINAE is widely distributed throughout Europe, Asia and eastern North America. B. 70, 71). Malacological Review, 12: 87-88. 46). Four species currently are recognized, but the genus has received very little study over most of its range. Mantle diffusely pigmented or unpigmented. 203, 209). Proceedings of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia, 86: 29-66. Apex nearly straight-sided or concave in outline. In the event that only shell specimens are available, picture-matching may be necessary to eliminate some choices in the couplets. Shell smaller, generally less than 12 mm long. Aperture rhomboid; baso-columellar angle extended as slight tonguelike projection; basal lip broadly but shallowly indented (Fig. Bulletin of the Museum of Comparative Zoology, 129: 401-61. Adams, 1841). 197-209). (Fig. A little practice may be necessary to perfect this relaxing procedure. It should be remembered that it is only a key which emphasizes shell characters. Now officially known as simply a Snail Kite, the subspecies from Florida and Cuba (Rostrhamus sociabilis plumbeus) formerly known as the Everglade Snail Kite was listed as endangered in 1967.The range of the Florida population of Snail Kites is restricted to watersheds in the central and . (Lamark, 1822). Vernacular names are given only for species. Walkerana, 1: 81-365. Littoridinops palustris 4). This genus of minute freshwater snails is endemic to the Florida peninsula. 121). Taylor recognizes twenty-three genera based on the soft anatomy. Similarities in appearance among the exotic species can make identification very difficult. Adult shell about 4-5 mm high; umbilicus wide; columellar margin of the aperture concave in outline (Fig. These are white, which is the more prized color in. Medium- to large-sized tropical freshwater snails. Outer lip of aperture arched forward (Figs. We Floridians have so much to be proud of. Overshadowing this genetic divergence are frequent examples of convergent evolution of similar adult shell characters among distantly related species. Females with live embryos in brood pouch in mantle; males with right eye stalk modified as a penis. All freshwater limpets in the southeast belong to this family. Central tooth of radula with basocones located on fore or lateral wing of tooth (Figs. 96). (Thompson, 1968). Planorbula armigera wheatleyi Base of shell regularly expanding, not funnel-shaped. (Lea, 1962). Cockscomb Hydrobe Subspecies bear the same name as the nominate subspecies, as is consistent with the standard used by the American Fisheries Society for fishes, and by other societies for other classes of animals. Operculum constructed entirely of concentric rings (Fig. 1918. NotogiIlia wetherby 1991. In others, some or all populations may be parthenogenetic, consisting only of females, or they may have a disproportionately small number of males. Most inhabit fresh water, but some also occur in brackish water. Whorls flat-sided with suture weakly impressed. Henscomb Hydrobe Nautilus, 83: 72. Seminole Siltsnail Aperture of shell closed by an operculum (snail must be collected live because the operculum is lost soon after death). 55). Aperture comma-shaped, tightly appressed against preceding whorl. Goblin Elimia) Elimia vanhyningiana (Goodrich, 1921). This study was a landmark contribution to the malacology of the southeast, and it summarized the known fauna of western Florida. Many have been synonymized, some undeservingly so. Shell transparent or opaque. Penis with a few simple scattered superior tubercles on outer surface; parapical crest on a low ridge; accessory crest and inferior crest absent (Fig. Lyogyrus retromargo Click on any of the seashell identification photos for information about each shell, where they were found, who found these shells and so much more. Definitive identifications may require anatomical dissections and reference to other literature. (Mihalcik & Thompson, 2002). (Mller, 1774). Your choice will lead you to the proper identification of your snail or the next appropriate pair of questions. Embryonic shell with fine vertical ribs and a heavy spiral chord on periphery and two basal spiral chords (Fig. Excentric Ancylid The current status of these introductions is not known. Spire short and compact, about 0.5-0.7 times height of aperture in mature specimens, proportionally longer in juveniles (Fig. Horse conch in mud Horse Conch snail The mature horse conch can be two feet long! Sides of spire straight-sided in outline. Mantle mottled with black spots and blotches. Shell squat, compact, cylindric-conical in shape, thick and opaque. Body whorl strongly keeled as though pinched at the periphery (Figs. Penis with large a terminal lobe on the left side and a smaller appendix-like flagellum on the right side. Aperture moderately oblique. Size small, discoidal, adults seldom exceeding 4 mm in width. Shell conical or globose-conical; thin, translucent, occasionally opaque. The profile of the whorls and their comparative size can also help determine the species. Embryonic shell with a strong peripheral spiral chord that continues onto following whorls (Fig. Somatogyrus is distributed from the Mississippi River drainage system east to Atlantic coastal streams, and south to the Gulf coastal drainage systems. Snails on corn. Apex with fine radial striations (Figs. Shell larger, reaching a maximum diameter of 18 mm. Identify your shells using our popular photo guide to southwest Florida shells from Sanibel Island and beyond. Vertical ribs strongly developed, crossed by nearly equal sized spiral threads that form low spines where they cross the ribs, adults about 20-25 mm long (Fig. 70). 122). Campeloma geniculum Thompson, F. G. & R. Hershler. Penis with papillae along both margins, or right margin only (papillae absent in some Aphaostracon). This causes problems in species identification and yield an undermeasure of the actual number of species that exist in nature. Shell usually planispiral, but two species may have a flat-topped, elevated spire. Shell rounded at the periphery (Figs. 34); penis frlattened, blade-like (Fig. 34, 35) (Pomatiopsis, Fig. Tryonia aequicostatus 62). 49, 50). Since then a great amount of fieldwork has taken place throughout Florida, and many additions to the fauna have come to light. Shell globose with a short depressed spire; body whorl ample; umbilicus closed. Native and Invasive Land Snails Hawaiian Snails ( Partulina virgulata) From Molokai Island, Hawaii, 1900s-1960s Giant African Snails ( Lissachatina fulica) From Mariana Islands, North Pacific Ocean, 1950 Rosy Wolf Snail ( Euglandina rosea) From Gulf Co., Florida, 1983 Exhibit Area On the Brink Theme Warning Story Tags: Brink Invasive Invertebrates 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 . Base of shell with dark red spiral band. Parietal margin of operculum slightly convex in outline (Fig. 113). 1982. Identification KeysThese files are all keys for the identification of various kinds of organisms. 143). 169). Shell small, about 3.0-3.5 mm long; adult with 4.4-4.8 whorl; lower corner of aperture tending to be angulate with fluted channel (Fig. Florida Press, Gainesville: i-xv, 1-68; pls. Video. Florida Flatcoil: Golden Zachrysia: Zachrysia provisoria (L. Pfeiffer, 1858) Gastrocopta pellucida (L. Pfeiffer, 1841) Zonitoides arboreus (Say, 1817) Garden Zachrysia: Slim Snaggletooth: Quick Gloss: Mesomphix globosus (MacMillan, 1940) Hawaiia minuscula (A. Binney, 1841) Mesodon thyroidus (Say, 1817) Globose Button: Minute Gem: White-lip Globe 1980. Additional genera occur in the Orient, Southeast Asia, Africa, and South America. Only Elimia is found in Florida. Umbilical perforation narrow, 1/8 1/10 diameter of shell. The systematic relationships of the hydrobiid snail genus Nymphophilus Taylor, 1966 and the status of the Subfamily Nymphophilinae. Shell sculptured with vertical, weakly curved ribs and much finer spiral striations. Olive NeriteNeritina usnea(Reding, 1798). Our state park system has won national awards . Mantle diffusely pigmented with melanophores (Fig. Sexes strongly dimorphic in size, males about half as long as females. Length of shell 2.6-3.0 mm (Fig. The reader will discover how very little we know about any genus occurring in Florida. Prominent minor spiral sculpture along periphery. 1, 2). Two genera of North American freshwater snails: Marstonia Baker, 1926 resureected to generic status, and Floridobia, new genus (Prosobranchia, Hydrobiidae, Nymphophilinae). Amnicola rhombostoma Operculum calcareous with two pegs on inner surface (Figs. The genus is difficult to diagnose by shell characters because the three species are very dissimilar. 149). Shell small, 2.0-2.8 mm long. (Thompson, 1968). Spire long, 1.3-1.7 times length of aperture, convex in outline; shell relatively large and nearly cylindrical; 4.0-4.9 mm long; whorls 5.0-5.7, strongly rounded with a deeply impressed suture (Fig. Haitia pomilia pomilia 208, 209), although radial striations may be present on other areas of shell. 36); males with a copulatory appendage, a penis (Fig. (Call, 1886). Aperture broadly in contact with preceding whorl. Incremental striations uniformly weak. Tadpole Physa Flatwood siltsnail Thick-lipped Rams-horn Walkerana, 13: 1-108. Haitia cubensis Aperture non-operculate; mantle cavity modified into a lung. Apex in the posterior right third, domelike and evenly rounded. 2015; Agudo-Padron 2018). 199). A parasite that can cause fatal disease in people and animals has been detected in South Florida (South Florida Sun-Sentinel) A dangerous parasite found in the giant African land snails that. (Fig. This species is a fast and voracious predator, hunting and eating other snails and slugs. Most have monotonously simple, conical or depressed-conical shells that are nearly devoid of taxonomically useful characteristics. (The penis is normally recurved into the mantle cavity, except during mating. 142). Adults about 2-3 mm long (Figs. Florida Cone (Family) Conidae Distinguishing Characteristics: The Cones are easily identified by the distinctive cone-like shape and a long aperture that reaches up to their shoulder. Sculpture variable. By Ker Than for National Geographic News. 140-146). 3:51. (Thompson, 1968). Suture weakly impressed. Ferrissia hendersoni (Thompson, 1968). Acad. Nuclear whorl 0.29-0.33 mm in diameter. Freemouth Hydrobe The family contains numerous genera and species, some of which are important medically as intermediate hosts for trematode parasites. However, formalin is an excellent fixative for short-term preservation. They can also carry rat lungworm, which causes meningitis in humans. Conical with relatively slender whorls. Penis with 5-15 papillae along right margin arranged in 1-2 rows (Fig. Banded Mysterysnail Evolution has proceeded primarily through reproductive and trophic specializations. Until recently the entire knowledge of the Florida freshwater snail fauna was based on miscellaneous papers dealing with single species, groups of closely related species or single river systems. Aperture ovate; baso-columellar angle not extended; basal lip not indented. 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. Spiral angulation on whorls sharp and prominent in juveniles, usually becoming convex-rounded or smooth on last whorl in adults. Florida authorities believe that the snail, native to eastern Africa, was reintroduced to the state when someone brought it home as a pet. Squaremouth Amnicola It is characterized by the lobed shape and glandular patterns of the penis. Micromenetus brogniartiana 38). Average length about 4 mm (Figs. Penis with invaginated cave-like pit within U-shaped superior tubercles. Last whorl of adult shell smooth or with growth striations, but not with ribs and spiral chords. Periphery of last whorl bluntly angular, lying below plane of apex (Figs. Wm. The aquatic snail fauna of the southeastern United States has long been recognized for its richness and diversity. The coloring makes state officials. Average length about 5.5 mm (Figs. Length of shell 2.0-2.4 mm (Fig. Radial striations present or absent Laevapex Walker, 1903. Six species are known to occur in Florida. (Lamarck, 1822). 89-91). Waccasassa Elimia Spire raised and flat-topped. Aphaostracon pachynotus Penis as illustrated (Fig. Base of shell open when viewed from below, showing most of preceding whorl due to curved basal lip (Fig. (Thompson, 1968). Being nocturnal, these pests aren't always feeding when you're scouting. Spurwinkia: Morphology, systematics, and ecology of a new genus of North American marshland Hydrobiidae (Mollusca: Gastropoda). 15). (Couper, 1844). Shell thick and solid; whorls weakly convex or flattened (Figs. Elimia buffyae The latter are placed in a small container filled with pond water. (Lea, 1862). Sides of spire straight in lateral profile. Shell sculptured with very fine, uniformly spaced axial threads (Figs.168-170). Fred G. Thompson (1934-2016) 67). Shell with a brownish hue. Swallow-tailed kites are spring and summer residents; snail kites are specially adapted to feed on apple snails in Florida freshwater wetlands year 'round. Apical whorls raised to form a point on top of spire. The planorbid snail Micromenetus dilatatus avus in the West Indies and Central America. 151, 152). It is hoped that this manual will stimulate other biologists to contribute to our knowledge of freshwater mollusks. Floridobia alexander common name: tree snails of Florida scientific name: Gastropoda: Stylommatophora: Bulimulidae Introduction - Identification - Key to the Bulimulidae of Florida - Selected References Introduction (Back to Top) Many snails are found in trees, but only a few are exclusively arboreal for most or all of their life cycle. Snails in wild populations range in shell color from yellow to brownish-black, and may contain stripes or dimpling. A giant African snail sighting in Florida enacted a quarantine over parasite concerns. Parietal margin of operculum concave (Fig. Shell with darker colored spiral chords that may be smooth or wavy. Minor spiral sculpture weak or absent. Choctaw Lioplax Shell conical, olivaceous in color. Shell elongate. The species of snail was present in Florida in the 1960s and 1970s before being eradicated in 1975, the FDACS said. Veliger, 45:269-271. Tarebia granifera Bugle Sprite Shell nearly smooth, sculptured with irregularly spaced incremental striations (Figs. Pseudotryonia brevissimus Live field samples should be divided into two groups, one to be preserved for shells, the other to be preserved for anatomical specimens. Aperture usually open; occasionally with a horizontal, shelf-like septum closing posterior part (Fig. Slender Walker Fortunately in Florida, the species are relatively easy to distinguish. The reader may be troubled by the imprecise shell characteristics that are used in the key. Amphibious; moves by step-like mode of progression (Fig. A synopsis of the classification of the freshwater Mollusca of North America north of Mexico and a catalogue of the more recently described species with notes. Elimia dickinsoni (Lea, 1838). 7-9). 44). Shell shaggy with numerous spiral fimbriations that are broken into synchronized tufts. Sculpture above periphery of whorls consisting of nodes arranged in vertical and spiral rows. Elimia annae Brackish-water genera, Onobops and Heleobops, that are common in Florida are omitted. Newborn young about 4.5 mm in diameter (this can be determined by removing juveniles from brood pouch). Hyacinth Siltsnail) Floridobia floridana (Frauenfeld, 1863). Proc. 40). Shell elongate-conical, with about 5-7 whorls. Spilochlamys gravis 197, 204). Shell conical or cylindric-conical. Accessory crest absent. Height of shell about 14-16 mm; width, 10-12 mm (Figs. Shell unicolor brown, never mottled with reddish spots. This snail was twice established in southeastern Florida and was successfully eradicated both times. Black-crested Elimia) Elimia albanyensis (Lea, 1864). Newborn shells brown. It is believed the snail was introduced via the railway cars coming from Mexico. Campeloma parthenum Spire of adults with heavy vertical ribs; unicolor dark brown; usually less than 18 mm long (Figs. Rhapinema dacryon Occasional Papers of the Museum of Zoology, University of Michigan, (456): 1-6. 1918. Shell globose or tear-shaped. Giant African land snails, an invasive species of mollusk, poses a threat to Florida residents as it can spread meningitis from a parasite it carries. 92). (Mihalcik & Thompson, 2002). The manual treats only those genera that occur in freshwater. Penis with 3 I 0 small papillae around base and 7-15 papillae along right margin in a single row (Fig. Shell elongate-conical; 10-40 mm long in adult specimens; apex of spire usually eroded; shell with 8-12 whorls although eroded specimens may have fewer; shell usually strongly sculptured with spiral and/or vertical ribs and threads (except in Elimia dickinsoni); central tooth of radula without basal or lateral cusps (Fig. Body whorl compressed (Fig. Elimia floridensis Thompson, F.G. 1968. Penis filament white. Marisa cornuaurietus 124). shell with 3.9-4.2 whorls (Fig. (Fig. 162-164). University of Florida The genus is found along the east coast of North America from Maryland south to Tabasco, Mexico. Penis simple, elongate-conical, without papillae (Fig. Dasyscia franzi This pest remains a threat in Florida, Hawaii and the Caribbean. Texture dull. Thompson, F. G. 1983. Apex proportionally longer, about 0.3-0.5 times length of shell. Few of the North American species have been studied to the extent that their taxonomy, geographic distributions, life histories, and ecology are documented. Ichetucknee Siltsnail Spire of adults without distinct vertical ribs. Shell smooth. 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. Shell elongate with pointed conical spire. Green Cove Springsnail Planorbella duryi (Vanatta, 1934). Outer lip strongly sinuous. Shell with 3-4 whorls. Adult shell small, less than 3 mm high; umbilicus narrow but not occluded by the columellar lip; columellar margin of the aperture weakly concave (Fig. Fossaria modicella Peristome incomplete around aperture. Shell brightly banded and with large, wide and wavey vertical folds; robust, usually 21-25 mm long (Fig. MESZAROS: It's not clear how these snails entered Florida again. 159-161). Females ovoviviparous or oviparous. Shell generally thin but strong; whorls of spire strongly convex with deep suture (Figs. The bio-economic importance of snails to environmental issues has become increasingly relevant because of the impact that economic development has on Florida waterways. Mihalcik, E. L. & F. G. Thompson. Teardrop Snail 198, 205). Shell medium-sized, 3.0-3.8 mm long; thinner, translucent or transparent in life; tear-shaped; spire raised and nearly straight-sided, pointed; body whorl less conspicuously enlarged, not descending to aperture along last half whorl. Three new freshwater snails of the genus Cincinnatia from peninsular Florida. 82). 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. All snails in the subfamily Achatininae, including the giant African snail (GAS) (Lissachatina fulica), are regulated plant pests. Vail, V. A. Maiden Campeloma Shell with strong vertical ribs on spire; spiral chords vestigial, confined to spiral series of knobs on top of vertical ribs; adults small, about 13-16 mm long (Fig. Adults with about 5 whorls, and 10-13 mm wide (Figs.177-179). Bayou Physa Whorls 3.0-4.0. Identification Damage from snail and slug pests appears as oblong, irregular holes at both the margin and the center of leaves and flowers. (C.B. Thompson, F.G. 1979. 1979a. Some species are dioecious with a normal representation of males and females. Whorls rounded, not carinate above; occasionally angular below. More data based on many population samples from throughout this range will be necessary before the validity of the three forms can be determined. About fifteen species have been described from North America. The latter genus includes a single species, Cincinnatia integra (Say, 1817). Rather stocky, adult about 15-20 mm long (Fig. Formalin will corrode the shell and thereby eliminate color, delicate sculpture, and the periostracum the thin skin coating present on most shells. 159-179). In previous editions of the manual the Florida species were placed in the genus Physella. 51, 52). Whorls 3.8-4.3. Serrated Crownsnail Peristome complete around aperture. 1963. Viviparus contectoides limi, new name for V. c. compactus Pils. Radial striations present on shell but not on apex. (Say, 1829). Adult large, about 23-27 mm long (Figs. The snails live in the bays and mudflats, but after they die their shells wash up on the beaches. Hatia pomilia hendersoni CLICK ON EACH PHOTO Fallen Angel Wing -Atlantic Mud Piddock Boring Angel Wing- Striate Piddock Rice Olive Gulf Coast Pebblesnail) Somatogyrus walkerianus (Aldrich, 1905). (Thompson, 1968). Quilted Melania 112), occurs in the Ocmulgee River system in Georgia. This is particularly so in the Pulmonata. Hydrobiids are small- to medium-sized operculate snails that live primarily in brackish and fresh water. Taylor, D. W. 2003. Eight species have been proposed. Davis, G.M., M. Mazurkiewicz, & M. Mandracchia. Shell relatively thick (Figs. Shell light brown and frequently mottled with rust-colored spots that may form a spiral row below the suture. Euglandina rosea, the rosy wolfsnail or cannibal snail, is a species of medium-sized to large predatory air-breathing land snail, a carnivorous terrestrial pulmonate gastropod mollusk in the family Spiraxidae.. It wasn't until 2021 the population was. Spire depressed, much less than height of aperture, occasionally planular (Figs. Whorls globose, with a deeply impressed suture. Some species that are endemic to Florida springs live in environments with nearly constant temperatures and apparently reproduce continuously throughout the year. 5). Shell unicolor, with distinct vertical sculpture in addition to strong spiral sculpture. Females with an egg-laying groove or sinus on right side of foot; eggs deposited on substrate. A taxonomic revision of the feshwater snails referred to as Elimia curvicostata, and related secies. Spiral angulation on last whorl obsolete or bluntly rounded and forming a shallow sulcus below shoulder of last whorl. Shell relatively thin. Pygmy Siltsnail) Floridobia parva (Thompson, 1968). Spilochlamys is most similar to the next genus, Cincinnatia, from which its shell usually differs by having a more deeply impressed suture, more strongly shouldered whorls, and a wider umbilical perforation. Body whorl angular. The . 75). Planorbella trivolvis intertexta