16, 17). 126); accessory crest present on penis. October 14, 2021 7:00 am. TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) Florida, a state that encourages people to kill non-native iguanas, pythons and lionfish, has a new invasive species to worry about: the horntail snail, which has never . It is hoped that this manual will stimulate other biologists to contribute to our knowledge of freshwater mollusks. The reader may be troubled by the imprecise shell characteristics that are used in the key. The shell characters given above for separating the families apply only to Florida species. Whorls straight-sided, not scalariform; suture hardly distinct; aperture terminating at periphery of last whorl; vertical ribs weaker and closely spaced; adult size about 25-30 mm long (Fig. The manual treats only those genera that occur in freshwater. Contents 1 Shell description 2 Distribution 3 Ecology 4 References 5 Further reading Shell description [ edit] Five views of a shell of Pomacea paludosa For the purpose of completeness, the three parthenogenetic forms and C. geniculum are included in the key. 135). Shell elliptical-ovate in shape. Carib Fossaria 1992. Shell moderately large, 3.7-4.5 mm long; spire 1.00-1.35 times length of aperture; shell with 4.8-5.4 whorls. Taylor recognizes twenty-three genera based on the soft anatomy. Shell larger, reaching a maximum diameter of 18 mm. A little practice may be necessary to perfect this relaxing procedure. The shells should be rinsed frequently in tap water during the cleaning process to prevent etching by the acid. Each snail has both female and male reproductive organs, so they can reproduce rapidly. Shell conical or globose-conical; thin, translucent, occasionally opaque. Shell dull. Others were new taxa not found in earlier surveys. 197, 204). Hydrobiids are small- to medium-sized operculate snails that live primarily in brackish and fresh water. Apex of shell slightly convex in outline. Female ovoviviparous with about 50 embryos in uterus; embryos clearly evident through clean shells. The giant African land snail is back in Florida after having been declared eradicated twice. Aperture broadly elliptical. Shell usually small to medium (2-25 mm). The species are highly variable, and there is no consensus regarding the number of valid species. Shell transparent or translucent. 6). 1918. Recent studies treat amnicolids as a separate families. Newborn shells brown. Two-ridged Rams-horn Shell variable in shape, elongate to globose; usually not more than 5 mm in length; apex of spire seldom eroded (except in Somatogyrus); 4-6 whorls; shell smooth (except in Pyrgophorus and Tryonia); central tooth of radula with basal cusps (Figs. 80). Adults with six teeth in aperture, two on the parietal wall and four on the palatal wall. They are variable in their shell characteristics, and some samples may be difficult to identify. Spiral angulation on last whorl obsolete or bluntly rounded and forming a shallow sulcus below shoulder of last whorl. (Say, 1817). Waccasassa Elimia Shell light brown and frequently mottled with rust-colored spots that may form a spiral row below the suture. Critical Florida references are Thompson 1968, 1969, 2000; Thompson and Hershler, 1991, and Hershler and Thompson, 1992. 146). Parietal margin of operculum convex. Sculpture consisting of distinct spiral striations and threads superimposed on growth striations (Fig. Outer lip of aperture arched forward (Figs. Olive NeriteNeritina usnea(Reding, 1798). (Lea, 1842). Thompson, F.G. 1968. Curator of Malacology. (Thompson & Hershler, 1991). Apex of shell flat-topped, but sunken below periphery of last whorl. The current status of these introductions is not known. The fixative may damage the shell, but that is unimportant for anatomical purposes. Campeloma parthenum (Gastropoda: Viviparidae), a new species from north Florida. They were detected in 2011 in Miami-Dade County and eradicated again in 2021. (Lea, 1858). Specimens then are placed in a fixative such as 10 percent formalin or Bouins Solution. The family contains many genera and numerous species in South America, Central America, Mexico, Africa, and Southeast Asia. With the exception of Liguus fasciatus, these snails have shells that vary in color from ivory to tan, often with brown markings.Liguus shells are brilliantly colored and are frequently marked with yellow, green, pink, and brown. Hershler, R. & F. G. Thompson. 1980. 127); superior tubercles on penis arranged in oblique longitudinal series. 197-209). The molluscan family Planorbidae. Outer lip continuously rounded (Figs. Parietal margin of operculum concave (Fig. Apex distinctly convex in outline. Choctaw Lioplax Sides of spire concave in outline (Fig. 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. Additional surveys found four different populations all associated with the CSX railways. Apical whorls pointed and raised, but not scalariform. Scatter a few granulated menthol crystals on the water surface and allow the container to sit for 10-15 hours, at which time the snails should be extended from the shell and insensitive to probing with a needle. Cockscomb Hydrobe Thompson, F. G. 2000. Average length about 4 mm (Figs. Penis with 4-6 papillae along right margin (Fig. 47). Parapical crest of verge greatly enlarged. Many have been synonymized, some undeservingly so. The shell are secondarily useful for identification, but only when supplemented with anatomical information. Minor spiral sculpture weak or absent. 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. 59). Shell usually squarish or rectangular in shape. Red-rimmed Melania The greatest diversity of genera and species is in the Indo-Australian region. (Thompson, 1968). Vertical sculpture reduced to irregularly spaced and uneven growth striations or low undulating ribs. They are most common on tropical islands but occur also in cold regions, where they hibernate. The snails live in the bays and mudflats, but after they die their shells wash up on the beaches. It is presented in the form of key supplements with illustrations and habitat information to facilitate identifications. Prepared by Fred G. Thompson, Fmr. Shell more slender and attenuate; spire more elongate in adults, about 0.7- 1.0 times height of aperture. Aphaostracon theiocrenetus Click on images to enlarge them. Moderately large, thick-shelled operculate snails. Formalin does not even serve as a good fixative or preservative for long-term anatomical studies. Revista de Biologia Trpical, 51 (supplement): 1-299. Its brown spotted exterior provides camouflage, making it a challenge to spot. Typically, land snails live on or near the ground, feed on decaying plant matter, and lay their eggs in the soil. The following key is modified from Basch (1963). Aperture trapezoidal in shape; spire more robust, straight sided; with a shallower suture; parapical crest large (Fig. Bayou Physa Alexander Siltsnail 1978. (Thompson, 1968). The following shells are commonly found on Florida's beaches. 1962. 170, 173). 109a, 109b). Somatogyrus is distributed from the Mississippi River drainage system east to Atlantic coastal streams, and south to the Gulf coastal drainage systems. Genera that serve as intermediate hosts for schistosomatid trematodes have been studied extensively. Elimia buffyae Umbilicus open, although very narrow in some species; occasionally closed. (Thompson, 2000). Penis filament white. Fortunately in Florida, the species are relatively easy to distinguish. Basch (1963) recognized five valid species. The author has attempted to simplify the key to include the minimum anatomical data needed for accurate identification. 66). Operculum spiral, consisting of two or more rapidly increasing whorls (Fig. Thick-shelled Hydrobe Operculum loosely coiled, with 3.75 large whorls, the outer one expanding more rapidly than the others (Figs. Channeled Applesnail Two, Melanoides tuberculata and Tarebia granifera, are medically important because they can serve as first intermediate host for the human lung fluke, Paragonimus westermani. After a few years in storage glandular tissues in the female reproductive system deteriorate, and the process gradually spreads to destroy all but the terminal genital structures. More data based on many population samples from throughout this range will be necessary before the validity of the three forms can be determined. Nautilus, 32: 71. Thicker leaves may have damage on only one side. Melanoides tuberculata Melanoides tuberculata (Muller) in Florida. Shell nearly smooth, sculptured with irregularly spaced incremental striations (Figs. Pomatiopsis lapidaria Aperture of shell closed by an operculum (snail must be collected live because the operculum is lost soon after death). Spire shorter, conical, 0.7-1.3 times length of aperture, nearly straight-sided in outline, suture of whorls weakly or moderately impressed. Shell elongate, thin, transparent, grayish. In parthenogenetic organisms each population is inbred in the strictest genetic sense, and frequently a population will have minor characteristics that distinguish it from others. Embryonic shell smooth, without spiral chords (Fig. The HYDROBIIDAE include over 200 genera and approximately 1000 species. Axial striations distinct (Fig. Thiarids are found in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Choctaw Lioplax Adult shells about 40-60 mm high (Fig. As was anticipated, further work on the systematics of the southeastern freshwater snail fauna created the need for subsequent revision in 1999, and for this updated version. Two subfamilies occur in North America. Adults with about 5 whorls, and 10-13 mm wide (Figs.177-179). It is important to save some specimens for anatomical studies. Radial striations present or absent Laevapex Walker, 1903. Three new freshwater snails of the genus Cincinnatia from peninsular Florida. As of last . Shell grayish-white. Knobby Elimia Apex in the posterior right third, domelike and evenly rounded. Philadelphia, 134: 143-77. Pilsbry, H. A. Body whorl rounded (Fig. 44). Penis with 3 I 0 small papillae around base and 7-15 papillae along right margin in a single row (Fig. Shell conical or cylindrical-conical in shape; spire elevated; body whorl not disproportionately voluminous; umbilicus closed or open. Shell conical or cylindric-conical. 92). An invasive snail species known as the giant African land snail has officially been eradicated in the state of Florida after years of attempts and $24 million worth . 7-9). Floridobia porterae Last whorl flattened above. This snail was twice established in southeastern Florida and was successfully eradicated both times. Aphaostracon monas Bulletin of the Florida State Museum, Biological Sciences, 1: 97-239. 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. Shell unicolor, never banded. Occasional Papers on Mollusks, 2: 385-412. 87). The species was eradicated again in 2021 after being detected in 2011 in Miami-Dade County, according to FDACS. Base of shell usually without spiral band. Peristome ovate to subcircular. Umbilicus broad, shallow (Fig. Aperture broadly ovate. Hello Bruce. Aperture broadly in contact with preceding whorl. 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. The spire differs between bumpy and smooth but it is always elongated. All freshwater limpets in the southeast belong to this family. (Mller, 1774). Conical with relatively slender whorls. Aperture narrowly in contact or free from preceding whorl. Whorls 3.0-4.0. Viviparus contectoides limi, new name for V. c. compactus Pils. Radula with bicuspid lateral teeth (Fig. Each: $28.50 M-890 BANDED TULIP SHELL, Fasciolaria lilium A small predatory snail that feeds on clams. Radial riblets on entire surface of shell except apex. Opercula should be glued to cotton plugs and replaced within the aperture. Shell specimens should be cleaned and air-dried. Graphite Elimia 136, 138). 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 . Radial striations present on shell but not on apex. Adults 9-15 mm wide (Figs. The snail can wreak havoc on agriculture and carry a parasite that causes meningitis in humans.. Common name: Florida applesnail Taxonomy: available through Identification: This species is the largest freshwater gastropod native to North America (Burch 1982). Females with an egg-laying groove or sinus on right side of foot; eggs deposited on substrate. Small- or medium-sized snails need to be identified with the aid of a binocular dissecting microscope that is equipped with an ocular micrometer calibrated to 0.1 mm accuracy so that precise measurements can be made. Some species that are endemic to Florida springs live in environments with nearly constant temperatures and apparently reproduce continuously throughout the year. Incremental striations intensified near nucleus and umbilicus. 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. Other families occur elsewhere in North America and in other continents. 34, 35). This is essential in the case of the Hydrobiidae. Types of Shells In Florida: Seashell Identification Guide It lurks nearly a foot beneath the dunes of Sanibel Island. 65). (Goodrich, 1924). Suture more deeply impressed than in 77a. Shell ovate in shape, about 1.2-1.5 times as high as wide. Plane of aperture nearly vertical when viewed from the side. Goblin Elimia) Elimia vanhyningiana (Goodrich, 1921). Female shell about 4-6 mm long (Figs. Shell 2.8-3.7 mm long. Purple-throated Campeloma Outer lip less sinuous. Pseudosuccinea columella A review of the recent freshwater limpet snails of North America. Fenney Spring Hydrobe 164, 167). Shell conical with strongly arched whorls and a deeply impressed suture. Penis with 17-50 papillae along right margin arranged in 3-5 rows (Fig. 129). Shell slender, attenuate. Littoridinops monroensis Shell narrow, terete or cylindric-conical with a moderately impressed suture. Shell sculptured with very fine, uniformly spaced axial threads (Figs.168-170). Mesa Rams-horn 70). Identifications are difficult in many instances without properly preserved specimens. Size: 2-4 cm. 99). Tadpole Physa 141). Pygmy Siltsnail) Floridobia parva (Thompson, 1968). Apex about 0.4-0.5 times length of shell. 159-179). 3). Spiral angulation on whorls sharp and prominent in juveniles, usually becoming convex-rounded or smooth on last whorl in adults. Shell rounded at the periphery (Figs. Three species in Florida were introduced from Southeast Asia. A systematic study of the Family Physidae (Basommatophora: Pulmonata). Columellart margin of aperture not flat-faced; apex of shell usually entire; penis with large terminal lobe on left side and small appendage-like flagellum on right margin (Fig. Shell with about 4.5-5.0 whorls; about 3.0-4.8 mm long (Fig. Inferior crest absent. Indented Duskysnail Shell usually opaque in adults, with a dark red callus inside the lip (Fig. Base of shell when viewed from below showing about half of preceding whorl due to straight basal lip (Fig. Flatwood siltsnail Terminal lobe of penis slender. (Mihalcik & Thompson, 2002). 58). Being nocturnal, these pests aren't always feeding when you're scouting. EDRR Invasive Species. Penis with a few simple scattered superior tubercles on outer surface; parapical crest on a low ridge; accessory crest and inferior crest absent (Fig. Operculum paleomelanian, with a large sub-centrally located nucleus (Fig. (Thompson, 1968). The systematic relationships of the hydrobiid snail genus Nymphophilus Taylor, 1966 and the status of the Subfamily Nymphophilinae. Shell thick and solid; whorls weakly convex or flattened (Figs. Shaggy Ghostsnail Periphery of body whorl below middle, side of whorl flattened and sloping toward apex (Fig. 16, 25, 28). 23, 26). 89, 90). Lower margin of aperture not advanced beyond upper margin. Planorbid snails are restricted to fresh water and occur worldwide, being found on all continental landmasses and many oceanic islands. Penis with papillae along both margins, or right margin only (papillae absent in some Aphaostracon). 38). Marginal teeth of radula trapezoidal with well-differentiated cusps. Color often glossy reddish brown. Penis with 7-50 papillae along right margin and 1-4 papillae along distal third of left margin (Figs. 45). Kites belong to the same bird family as hawks and eagles, Accipittridae. There is no consensus in systematic biology about how to treat these forms. It contains about a dozen species in North America. Lobe and flagellum with various patterns of dermal glands (Fig. 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. Ghost Rams-horn (Clench & Turner, 1956). Nuclear whorl flattened, 0.41-0.48 mm in diameter transverse to initial suture. 160, 163, 166). (C.B. Aperture enlarged (dilated). Aperture without serrate denticles on parietal wall. Pomacea paludosa 208, 209), although radial striations may be present on other areas of shell. Shell dark brown. Medium- to large-sized tropical freshwater snails. Penis with different arrangement of papillae than above. 69, 70). (Gould, 1841). The focus on most investigations was on rivers north of Florida, and little attention was given to the Florida fauna. Low-dome Physa However, this appears to be an over reduction, and several southern species were synonymized that appear worthy of recognition. Dasyscia franzi It should also be remembered that many groups have not been studied sufficiently, and the reader may have material that adds to or contradicts previously recorded information. The bodies of large snails, such as viviparids and pilids, should be pulled from the shell. 67). A single glandular crest present on apex of terminal lobe (Figs.