151, 152). Sides of spire concave in outline (Fig. University of Florida scientists say the nightmarishly named "rat lungworm" has been found in multiple species of snails in the Miami area, including the invasive giant African snail. 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! Medium- to large-sized tropical freshwater snails. Length of shell 2.0-2.4 mm (Fig. (Pilsbry, 1890). Overshadowing this genetic divergence are frequent examples of convergent evolution of similar adult shell characters among distantly related species. The beaches in Florida are perfect for shelling and beach combing. Apex less than 0.4 times length of shell. Penis as illustrated (Fig. 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. Sculpture above periphery of whorls consisting of sharp spiral chords and distinct vertical ribs; shell attenuate. Gainesville, Florida 32611-7800. Biochemical studies show that in Elimia shell characters are conservative indicators of genetic divergence (Mihalcik & Thompson, 2002). 34, 35) (Pomatiopsis, Fig. Adult shell about 4-5 mm high; umbilicus wide; columellar margin of the aperture concave in outline (Fig. Outer lip partially flattened in adults. Miscellaneous Publication of the Museum of Zoology, University of Michigan, 6: 1-213. Being nocturnal, these pests aren't always feeding when you're scouting. Click on the link in the row that best matches your snail. Apex of shell flat-topped, but sunken below periphery of last whorl. Spire short and compact, about 0.5-0.7 times height of aperture in mature specimens, proportionally longer in juveniles (Fig. Shell globose with a short depressed spire; body whorl ample; umbilicus closed. One species, C. chinensis malleatus (Reeve, 1863) (Fig. Shell moderately elevated, over 0.25 times as high as long. 45). A Guide to Florida Bird Species. Specimens then are placed in a fixative such as 10 percent formalin or Bouins Solution. Identification should conform with all data in the key and with geographic distributions. Length of shell 2.2-2.6 mm (Fig. 149). (Clench & Turner, 1956). The bodies of large snails, such as viviparids and pilids, should be pulled from the shell. Shell cylindric-conical, solid opaque; 4.5-4.9 moderately rounded whorls. Shell thick and solid; whorls weakly convex or flattened (Figs. 180-182). Work through the questions, each time choosing the characteristic that best matches your snail from the two choices. Ph.D. thesis, University of Michigan, i-xii, 1-324. (Lamark, 1822). Freemouth Hydrobe Outer lip of aperture nearly straight in lateral profile (Figs. Thompson, F.G. 1979. Apex slightly behind and slightly to the right of midline. Many have been synonymized, some undeservingly so. The family contains many genera and numerous species in South America, Central America, Mexico, Africa, and Southeast Asia. Giant African Land Snail Identification Sheet - Florida Commissioner of . Earlier whorls of adult shell with vertical ribs and spiral chords. Shell usually marked with red or rust-colored spots, flames, or bands (most apparent on juvenile specimens). 1918. 149). Stately Elimia (Morelet, 1851). (Thompson, 1968). Aphaostracon chalarogyrus Penis of males with papillae along sides (Figs. Penis with papillae along both margins, or right margin only (papillae absent in some Aphaostracon). Olive NeriteNeritina usnea(Reding, 1798). Shell small, 2.0-2.8 mm long. The giant African snails detected in New Port Richey, Florida are unrelated to the population of giant African snails eradicated from Broward and Miami Dade counties last year. 145). 2018). 159, 162, 165). Periphery of body whorl below middle, side of whorl flattened and sloping toward apex (Fig. Adults 9-15 mm wide (Figs. Sides of spire straight-sided in outline. Their color varies from red-orange, to pink, to a blue purple. 15, 18). Excentric Ancylid (Menke, 1839). Shell elongate-conical. Shell of various shapes and sculpture. 119). (Walker, 1905). Slackwater Elimia Prepared by Fred G. Thompson, Fmr. Floridobia alexander Size smaller than last species, seldom exceeding 10 mm in width (Figs.194-196). The reader will discover how very little we know about any genus occurring in Florida. In previous editions of the manual the Florida species were placed in the genus Physella. Wm. Most other genera have received relatively minor attention, and their systematics are in flux. (Fig. As a result . Littoridinops palustris Size small, discoidal, adults seldom exceeding 4 mm in width. Length of shell up to 5 mm. 98). Shell glossy. Suture more deeply impressed than in 77a. The criterion of inbreeding for defining species cannot be applied, and other objective criteria are not yet been established. Walkerana, 13: 1-108. Florida Press, Gainesville: i-xv, 1-68; pls. 44). 62). Whorls 3.8-4.3. On June 24th the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) created a quarantine surrounding the town of New Port Richey. It became increasingly important to provide an identification manual of the freshwater snails of Florida for many reasons. Fossaria modicella Aperture narrowly in contact or free from preceding whorl. Penis with a small blade-like flagellum along right margin and a heavy mid-ventral ridge that bears 8-11 narrow transverse dermal glands; other glands present on terminal lobe and flagellum (Figs. Physella gyrina aurea Seminole Siltsnail Elimia clenchi Suture of whorls more deeply impressed than in previous species. (Say, 1825). Curator of Malacology Vernacular manes used in this manual are consistent with the standardized list of vernacular names for North American freshwater snails recently established by the American Fisheries Society (Turgeon, et al, 1998). Formalin will corrode the shell and thereby eliminate color, delicate sculpture, and the periostracum the thin skin coating present on most shells. Shell light brown and frequently mottled with rust-colored spots that may form a spiral row below the suture. Melanoides tuberculata Florida. Thompson, F. G. & R. Hershler. Six species are known to occur in Florida. Aperture without serrate denticles on parietal wall. Adult size small, about 12-16 mm long (Fig. J. Clench and Ruth P. Turner (1956) published a survey of the fauna from the Suwannee River west to the Escambia River. Shell larger, 2.2-4.8 mm long. 1934. Review of the Planorbidae of Florida with notes on other members of the family. Penis with a dense pattern of superior tubercles. Axial striations distinct (Fig. Wekiwa Siltsnail The spire differs between bumpy and smooth but it is always elongated. 58). Rails, gallinules, coots and cranes. Apex smooth, with no trace of radial striations (Fig. Spiral angulation on last whorl obsolete or bluntly rounded and forming a shallow sulcus below shoulder of last whorl. (Pfeiffer, 1839). 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. Viviparus contectoides limi, new name for V. c. compactus Pils. Seashell Identification Identify your Florida Gulf Coast seashells! Shell nearly smooth, sculptured with irregular growth striations. Parietal margin of operculum slightly convex in outline (Fig. 120). Whorls 3.0-4.0. (Mller, 1774). (Lea, 1962). Spiral or costate sculpture usually present. Shell sculptured with prominent nodes overlapping suture and forming crenulations. Shaggy Ghostsnail Aperture of shell closed by an operculum (snail must be collected live because the operculum is lost soon after death). Length of shell about 2.2-2.8 mm long (Fig. Live snails for shell studies should be preserved in 70 percent alcohol. Umbilicus narrow, deep (Fig. JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - An invasive giant African snail that has already had to be eradicated twice in the last 50 years in Florida is back and one county is on high alert. NotogiIlia wetherby Surface smooth or dented with hammer marks. Shell with or without bands; slender; Suture deeply impressed; upper whorls with a strongly carinate periphery (Fig. Adequate preservation begins when the specimens are collected. 7 new spider species . 100). Blackwater Ancylid Apex of shell slightly convex in outline. It was well received, and it served the interests and needs of many people. Mantle mottled with black spots and blotches. Outer lip continuously rounded (Figs. 11). 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 . Fossaria cubensis Identify your shells using our popular photo guide to southwest Florida shells from Sanibel Island and beyond. 68). 88). Philadelphia, 134: 143-77. Aperture broadly elliptical. Nucleus of operculum spiral and then surrounded by concentric growth rings (Fig. Rasp Elimia (Thompson, 1968). Other families occur elsewhere in North America and in other continents. Click on the link in the row that best matches your snail. 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. (Jay, 1839). 112), occurs in the Ocmulgee River system in Georgia. Length of shell 2.6-3.0 mm (Fig. Many species are secondarily modified to appear right-handed or pseudo-dextral (FIGS. Campeloma floridense Your choice will lead you to the proper identification of your snail or the next appropriate pair of questions. Most species are disc-shaped or planular, as is implied by the name PLANORBIDAE. The shell are secondarily useful for identification, but only when supplemented with anatomical information. 60). Central tooth of radula with long basocones along base (Fig. Slender Walker 171-173). Base of shell when viewed from below showing about half of preceding whorl due to straight basal lip (Fig. The radula is then thoroughly rinsed in distilled water, stained, and mounted on a microscope slide. Adults with six teeth in aperture, two on the parietal wall and four on the palatal wall. Our state park system has won national awards . Helisoma anceps anceps (Fig. Live field samples should be divided into two groups, one to be preserved for shells, the other to be preserved for anatomical specimens. One to several dark growth-rest varixes usually present on last whorl. Narrowly umbilicate. Vertical ribs smooth along the periphery, strongly developed (Fig. Suture simple, not crenulated. Size larger, adults 7 mm or more in width. 10). Identification Damage from snail and slug pests appears as oblong, irregular holes at both the margin and the center of leaves and flowers. Fawn Melania Body whorl rounded (Fig. The giant African land snail is back in Florida after having been declared eradicated twice. 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. Adults with about 5 whorls, and 10-13 mm wide (Figs.177-179). Penis without a conspicuously enlarged papilla near right base, although other papillae usually are present. Shell elongate, thin, transparent, grayish. 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 . 174-176). 1905. Two new species of hydrobiid snails from Florida and Georgia, and a discussion of the biogeography of south Georgia streams. 1918. Mantle diffusely pigmented or unpigmented. In some genera, eggs are deposited above the water in dry clusters on stems, trees, walls, etc. The reader may be troubled by the imprecise shell characteristics that are used in the key. 16, 22-28). 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. Critical Florida references are Thompson 1968, 1969, 2000; Thompson and Hershler, 1991, and Hershler and Thompson, 1992. Pilsbry, H. A. Columellar margin of aperture wide, rounded in front like a spindle. An invasive, giant snail species, that can also lead to outbreaks of meningitis, has been found in New Port Richey. Attains a length of about 30-36 mm (Figs. Shell conical; thin and transparent; 4.0-4.5 strongly arched whorls. It is represented in North America by Viviparus. Peristome complete around aperture. (Thompson, 1968). Shell keeled or strongly angular at the periphery (Figs. Nuclear whorl 0.29-0.33 mm in diameter. 36). Mantle richly marked with reddish-brown blotches and spots. Your choice will lead you to the proper identification of your snail or the next appropriate pair of questions. 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. Sides of spire straight in lateral profile. Average length about 5 mm (Figs. Shell transparent or translucent. Some species are dioecious with a normal representation of males and females. Choctawhatchee Elimia However, this appears to be an over reduction, and several southern species were synonymized that appear worthy of recognition. Shell conical or cylindrical-conical in shape; spire elevated; body whorl not disproportionately voluminous; umbilicus closed or open. Shell elliptical-ovate in shape. This family includes four North American genera, Amnicola, Dasyscia, Colligyrus and Lyogyrus, and the European genus Marstoniopsis and some Asian genera. Apex in the posterior right third, domelike and evenly rounded. In view of the inconsistency of these shell characters, these three forms may represent only a single species, Campeloma limum, which is widely distributed from the Escambia River system of Florida and Alabama east and north into North Carolina and Virginia. It is characterized by the lobed shape and glandular patterns of the penis. Vertical ribs reduced in size, but with bold spines at the periphery; spiral threads above periphery relatively weak; adults up to 35 mm long (Fig. Quarterly Journal of the Florida Acaemy of Sciences, 32: 241-65. This is particularly so in the Pulmonata. 3). (Thompson, 1968). Thompson, F.G. 1968. The species was eradicated again in 2021 after being detected in 2011 in Miami-Dade County, according to FDACS. 160, 163, 166). Shell sexually dimorphic in size, males about one-third as long as females. Penis with 2 or 3 papillae on left margin (Fig. Each: $28.50 M-890 BANDED TULIP SHELL, Fasciolaria lilium A small predatory snail that feeds on clams. The latter are placed in a small container filled with pond water. Its brown spotted exterior provides camouflage, making it a challenge to spot. Most inhabit fresh water, but some also occur in brackish water. Smooth-ribbed Hydrobe Peristome ovate to subcircular. 115a, 115b). Escambia Elimia Elimia buffyae (Clench & Turner, 1956). Newborn shells brown. Thompson, F. G. 1982. Little is known about these animals, and diverse opinions exist as to how many species are recognizable. Some hydrobiid snails from Georgia and Florida. Nautilus, 83: 72. Conical with relatively obese whorls. Some shells may be heavily encrusted with mineral deposit and algae, which may obscure details of the sculpture and color. Hershler, R. & F. G. Thompson. Penis with 17-50 papillae along right margin arranged in 3-5 rows (Fig. Enterprise Siltsnail) Floridobia monroensis (Dall, 1885). Horse conch in mud Horse Conch snail The mature horse conch can be two feet long! 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. They achieve their greatest diversity in genera and species in temperate North America. 16, 29). Body whorl angular. Shell relatively thick (Figs. 146). Malacologia, 23: 81-82. Shell medium-sized or large; 5.4-7.5 mm long; thick and opaque; ovate or globose; apical whorls depressed; sides of spire rounded; body whorl conspicuously enlarged, ample, rapidly descending to aperture along last half whorl. Umbilicus open. 136, 138). The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services has mapped out a . Dorsl surface of penis with a few elongate superior tubercles that form a weakly defined U-shaped pattern. 1962. Dipping them in a dilute solution of oxalic acid and gently scrubbing them with a fine brush can clean such specimens. Burch, J.B. 1989. The species made a return in 2011 and eradication efforts took another ten years. Last whorl not shouldered (Figs.155, 156). Penis filament white. Aphaostracon rhadinus Pomacea paludosa Elimia floridensis 35). The lymnaeid fauna of the southeast is particularly depauperate compared to more northern and western regions of the continent. Eight species have been proposed. Prominent vertical ribs on middle and upper whorls. (Thompson, 1968). Somatogyrus is distributed from the Mississippi River drainage system east to Atlantic coastal streams, and south to the Gulf coastal drainage systems. The number of whorls persent on the shell can help you easily identify the snail species. This family contains twelve genera in North America. Apex of shell flat, though it may be raised above the periphery of the last whorl (Figs. Floridobia is known from peninsular Florida north along the Atlantic seaboard to Maine. 17-29). Shell with 4.4-5.0 whorls; about 3.7-5.2 mm long. Aperture elliptical and loosely attached to or slightly separated from preceding whorl; 4.5-4.9 whorls. Operculum with about 3 whorls (Fig. Brownish-yellow in color (Fig. Peristome complete around aperture. 70, 71). Knobby Elimia Penis with a large, blade-like flagellum with continuous heavy dermal glands along each side (Figs. Length of shell 2.0-2.5 mm (Fig. Alligator Siltsnail (Thompson, 1968). Shell usually elevated, but variable. Shell with three whorls. Hatia pomilia hendersoni Penis with papillae along right margin (Figs. 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. 65). Work through the questions, each time choosing the characteristic that best matches your snail from the two choices. 64). There is much disagreement as to how many species actually exist. B. Nautilus, 19: 34. Basal lip of peristome deeply receded. Penny Sprite) Micromenetus floridensis (Baker, 1945). 162). 170). 63). MESZAROS: It's not clear how these snails entered Florida again. 117). (Lea, 1862). 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. Planorbid snails are restricted to fresh water and occur worldwide, being found on all continental landmasses and many oceanic islands. 51, 52). Primarily parthenogenetic; females viviparous with young snails in a brood pouch in nape. (Couper, 1844). However, formalin is an excellent fixative for short-term preservation. Apex distinctly convex in outline. Adults about 6-8 mm wide (Figs. (Fig. (Thompson, 1968). Flatwood siltsnail The current status of these introductions is not known. Floridobia petrifons 49, 50). This will lead you to the final choice which identifies the snail. 90). Mimic Pondsnail Occasional Papers on Mollusks, 2: 385-412. Parietal margin of operculum concave (Fig. 1980. Spire depressed, much less than height of aperture, occasionally planular (Figs. Males with penis at anterior right corner of mantle cavity. Our beaches often rank at or near the top in the world. Base of shell regularly expanding, not funnel-shaped. The International Commision on Zoological Nomenclature has ruled that AMPULLARIIDAE is the valid name for this family of snails. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer . Planorbis alabamensis and dilatatus in the Floridian Pliocene. The snail can wreak havoc on agriculture and carry a parasite that causes meningitis in humans.. Shell usually planispiral, but two species may have a flat-topped, elevated spire. 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 . Snails have invaded some local areas throughout northern Santa Rosa and Escambia Counties this summer. Occasional Papers of the Museum of Zoology, University of Michigan, (456): 1-6. Whorls shouldered above near suture (Fig. 91). Outer lip of aperture arched forward (Figs. Pewter Physa Frequently the shells of ampulariids and viviparids are very similar. 169, 172). 137, 139). Two species occur in Florida. Planorbella trivolvis intertexta Spire raised and flat-topped. Waccasassa Elimia You can also navigate through the images by clicking on the arrows near the left and right edges of the enlarged view. Shellolive-colored; spire straight-sided. Penis with a very long slender flagellum that extends beyond terminal lobe. 2015; Agudo-Padron 2018). Generally with distinct axial and spiral striations. 56). Bulletin of the Florida State Museum, Biological Sciences, 1: 97-239. The rosy wolfsnail was introduced into Hawaii in 1955 as a biological control for the invasive . Penis as illustrated (Fig. Oftentimes you'll see trails of mucous around these damaged sites. Two, Melanoides tuberculata and Tarebia granifera, are medically important because they can serve as first intermediate host for the human lung fluke, Paragonimus westermani. Aperture oval, about 0.75 times as wide as high. Shell without conical spines, although spiral threads may be present. 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. There were no references to cover the entire state. Pomacea canaliculata Interior of aperture livid white. Outer lip of aperture with a thick callus on inner surface. Bayou Physa Adams, 1841). Operculum calcareous with two pegs on inner surface (Figs. Cockscomb Hydrobe Whorls globose, with a deeply impressed suture. 47). Peristome narrow to broadly ovate. Operculum loosely coiled, with 3.75 large whorls, the outer one expanding more rapidly than the others (Figs. Identification KeysThese files are all keys for the identification of various kinds of organisms. 83). Types of Shells In Florida: Seashell Identification Guide It lurks nearly a foot beneath the dunes of Sanibel Island. Browse and enjoy! Shell large, 80-100 mm wide. Operculum paleomelanian, with a large sub-centrally located nucleus (Fig. Three species in Florida were introduced from Southeast Asia. Aphaostracon theiocrenetus Land Snail (Bulimulus sporadicus)A large group of Bulimulus sporadicus found in the Florida panhandle. Aperture relatively shorter, about half or less the length of the shell. 180-193). Univ. Hood Ancylid Aperture trapezoidal in shape; spire more robust, straight sided; with a shallower suture; parapical crest large (Fig. Apical whorls bluntly rounded and not conspicuously elevated. (Thompson, 1968). (Thompson, 1968). The author has attempted to simplify the key to include the minimum anatomical data needed for accurate identification. Armored Siltsnail Endemic New World genera occur in Cuba, Jamaica, and northern South America. Opercula should be glued to cotton plugs and replaced within the aperture. Choctaw Lioplax Shape highly variable, usually disc-shaped but some specimens with flat-topped raised spire. Aphaostracon hypohyalina Color of fresh shell never milky white. Sculpture consisting of incremental striations only. Shell about 0.38-0.41 times as wide as high and about 20-27 mm long. The profile of the whorls and their comparative size can also help determine the species. Lioplax pilsbryi choctawhatchensis shell with 3.9-4.2 whorls (Fig. They are beautiful when they are alive because the body of the snail is black with tiny white dots like the milky way galaxy. The snails are tan colored, high and conical, with mature snails about to 1-inch long. Bulletin of the Environmental Protection Agency, EPA-600/3-82-026: i-vi, 1-294. (Vanatta, 1934). 159-179). Prominent minor spiral sculpture along periphery. 1963. It is presented in the form of key supplements with illustrations and habitat information to facilitate identifications. The radula can be studied by dissecting out the buccal mass and macerating it in clorox or sodium hydroxide. Suture weakly impressed. Micromenetus dilatatus avus (Pilsbry, 1905). Floridobia vanhyningi Apex proportionally longer, about 0.3-0.5 times length of shell. Video. Te, G.A. Brackish-water genera, Onobops and Heleobops, that are common in Florida are omitted. Haitia bermudezi Length of shell 2.0-2.4 mm (Fig. Penis with one papilla on left margin (Fig. (Lea, 1842). Aperture elliptical in shape; spire slenderer and slightly convex in outline; suture moderately impressed suture; parapical crest reduced in size. 75, 76). Thompson, F. G. 1969. Dusky Ancylid 67). 36); males with a copulatory appendage, a penis (Fig. Thick-lipped Rams-horn Inside of lip with or without a reddish callus but callus never dark red in color. Umbilicus open, although very narrow in some species; occasionally closed. Do not use tap water since copper ions from the plumbing system may contaminate the tap water and kill the snails prematurely. Lobe and flagellum with various patterns of dermal glands (Fig. Papilla with a duct that leads to a blind caecum in nape of snail. (Thompson, 1968). (Mihalcik & Thompson, 2002). Whorls of spire pointed and scalariform (steplike with nearly flat shoulders and deep sutures). Marginal teeth of radula spatulate and bearing 8-10 weakly differentiated cusps. By Ker Than for National Geographic News. 94). Spiral angulation on whorls sharp and prominent in juveniles, usually becoming convex-rounded or smooth on last whorl in adults. Cymbal Ancylid Operculum spiral, consisting of two or more rapidly increasing whorls (Fig. (Thompson, 1968). Shell usually with raised spiral threads around periphery, frequently the uppermost thread has conical or triangular spines (Figs. Periphery of last whorl bluntly angular, lying below plane of apex (Figs. Florida Shell Guide. (Thompson, 1968). 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. In the USA, it was first identified in New Orleans in 1939, but now is found in the Gulf Coast states from Florida to Texas, as well as in Puerto Rico and Hawaii. Viviparus intertextus 23, 26). (Vanatta, 1935). Malacological Review, 24: 55-72. Sculpture consisting of axial striations only (Fig.147). Radial striations present on shell but not on apex. 162-164). By 1973, more than 18,000 snails had been found and destroyed along with thousands of eggs, and the snail was . Swallow-tailed kites are spring and summer residents; snail kites are specially adapted to feed on apple snails in Florida freshwater wetlands year 'round. Various species of Cipangopaludina also have been introduced from the Orient into North America. Apex very short, only slightly raised above body whorl. Size small I I to medium, 8-12 mm in length. Penis with some superior tubercles fused into a U-shaped crest; parapical crest raised on a fleshy pedicel; accessory crest and inferior crest usually present (Fig. More data based on many population samples from throughout this range will be necessary before the validity of the three forms can be determined. (Lea, 1838). Littoridinops is found most frequently in brackish water, although the three species found in Florida also occur in frehswater. Aperture widely separated from preceding whorl. They complete their life cycles in one year. NERITIDAE Apical whorls depressed; body whorl obtusely angular above and sharply carinated around funnel-shaped umbilicus. (Thompson, 2000). Base of shell open when viewed from below, showing most of preceding whorl due to curved basal lip (Fig. Penis filament black. Malacological Review, Suppl. Florida Applesnail The aquatic snails of the Family Hydrobiidae of peninsular Florida. Umbilicus of shell closed. Malacological Review, 12: 41-49. Base of shell usually without spiral band. 110). Columellar margin of aperture very thick but not reflected over umbilical area (Fig.103). Embryonic shell with a strong peripheral spiral chord that continues onto following whorls (Fig.