spiketop applesnail
(Pomacea diffusa)
This species is Introduced in the United States
Origin
Pomacea diffusa is native to South America. Spike-topped applesnail were likely introduced to the United States as aquarium releases or hitchhikers on ornamental nursery plants.
Life Cycle
P. diffusa are approximately 1.5 in. (38 mm) in height with shells a conic shape with 6 whorls, and coloration varying from yellowish to dark olive-brown in color. There are pronounced radial stripes. Spike-topped applesnails are found in freshwater rivers, streams, ponds, and wetlands. Female P. diffusa lay clutches of 200-600 pale pink to reddish colored eggs above the water surface on emergent plants or hard substrates.
Distribution
P. diffusa is established in Florida.
Control Efforts
The effects of P. diffusa are unknown although other species of applesnails are well known agricultural pests.
https://nas.er.usgs.gov/queries/FactSheet.aspx?SpeciesID=2662
http://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/misc/gastro/apple_snails.htm
https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/in598
https://myfwc.com/research/freshwater/species-assessments/mollusks/apple-snails/
Pomacea diffusa is native to South America. Spike-topped applesnail were likely introduced to the United States as aquarium releases or hitchhikers on ornamental nursery plants.
Life Cycle
P. diffusa are approximately 1.5 in. (38 mm) in height with shells a conic shape with 6 whorls, and coloration varying from yellowish to dark olive-brown in color. There are pronounced radial stripes. Spike-topped applesnails are found in freshwater rivers, streams, ponds, and wetlands. Female P. diffusa lay clutches of 200-600 pale pink to reddish colored eggs above the water surface on emergent plants or hard substrates.
Distribution
P. diffusa is established in Florida.
Control Efforts
The effects of P. diffusa are unknown although other species of applesnails are well known agricultural pests.
https://nas.er.usgs.gov/queries/FactSheet.aspx?SpeciesID=2662
http://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/misc/gastro/apple_snails.htm
https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/in598
https://myfwc.com/research/freshwater/species-assessments/mollusks/apple-snails/
Selected Images
Maps
EDDMapS Distribution - This map is incomplete and is based only on current site and county level reports made by experts, herbaria, and literature. For more information, visit www.eddmaps.org
State Lists - This map identifies those states that have this species on their invasive species list or law.
Taxonomic Rank
| Domain: Eukarya |
| Kingdom: Animalia |
| Phylum: Mollusca |
| Class: Gastropoda |
| Subclass: Caenogastropoda |
| Order: Architaenioglossa |
| Superfamily: Ampullarioidea |
| Family: Ampullariidae |
| Subfamily: Pomaceinae |
| Genus: Pomacea |
| Pomacea diffusa |
References
Common Name Reference: Web Search - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/Taxonomy/Browser/wwwtax.cgi?lvl=0&id=453592
Scientific Name Reference: Web Search - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/Taxonomy/Browser/wwwtax.cgi?lvl=0&id=453592