This specimen is part of our research collection and is not on exhibition. More studies are needed to better understand the ecology of apple snails in their native ranges and evaluate their distribution and conservation status. For example, Pomacea megastoma which needs bedrock and running water to thrive might be at risk from reductions in habitat as a result of the construction of dams. It is thought that some are not very adaptable to changes in their environment and might be in danger because of human impacts. For this reason it is important to prevent introductions by avoiding the release of pets and monitoring aquaculture practices.Īpple snails are a very diverse family and occupy varied ecological niches.
Invasive species are often very difficult to eradicate from the non-native areas. Apple snails also influence the biodiversity of the new areas by competing with the native species for habitat and through predation. In many cases introductions have had a negative impact on agriculture particularly on rice crops in East Asia. Some species of apple snail have been introduced to non-native habitats through aquaculture, the pet trade, modifications in waterways and for use as food and as biocontrol agents. They are a food source for many birds, reptiles, fish and crayfish. They are also an important part of the food chain and thus play a role in the nutrient cycle. For this reason they help restore the balance in the ecosystem. In their natural habitats, some species of apple snails eat decaying plant material submerged during the rainy seasons. Some species, including Pomacea megastoma, have a tubular siphon that functions like a snorkel enabling them to breathe air when the oxygen levels in the water are low. The apple snails spend most of their life under water however they can also survive on land thanks to a unique respiratory system with both a gill and a lung. They mostly feed on plants but they can also eat invertebrates such as bryozoans and eggs of other snails. The name on the label – Ampullaria neritoides – is an old name which is no longer in use.Īpple snails are a family of freshwater snails that inhabit rivers and lakes in the tropical and subtropical regions of America, Africa and Asia. “Genus Ampullaria Species neritoides (D’Orb.) Locality Paraguay Bought from Mr Sowerby Dec. The label found with this specimen reads: It is part of a collection of freshwater shells purchased from Mr Sowerby, a member of a renowned family of British naturalists and natural history dealers. The shell is brownish yellow in colour and measures 9 cm long, 7.5 cm wide and 6 cm high. This specimen belongs to the species Pomacea megastoma and consists of the shell of the animal. This apple snail was collected in Paraguay in the 19th century.
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