Recap of June 2025 First Friday with Florida First Detector
Snails and slugs are gastropods, a type of mollusk found all over the world. While snails have a prominent external shell, slugs typically lack a visible shell, making them appear quite different despite being closely related.
Identifying these creatures depends on different features. For slugs, we look at traits such as body length, color and markings, tail shape, presence of pores, and whether they have a keel (a ridge along their back). Snails, on the other hand, are primarily identified by their shell characteristics, including shape, size, number of whorls, and more.
Like many invasive species, non-native snails and slugs can cause serious problems. Some are pests in agriculture and horticulture, feeding on valuable crops and ornamental plants. Others disrupt native ecosystems by outcompeting or preying on native gastropods. Some invasive species can even carry harmful parasites or pathogens that threaten human and animal health.
Florida has seen its fair share of invasive slugs and snails over the years. One of the most concerning is the Giant African Land Snail (Lissachatina fulica). This species is not only one of the largest snails in the world, but it’s also one of the most destructive. It poses a threat to agriculture, natural ecosystems, and public health.
Giant African Land Snail
Florida has a history with this pest. The Giant African Land Snail was found in Florida in the 1960s. It took nearly a decade and close to $1 million to eradicate it by the early 1970s. Unfortunately, the snail was reintroduced in 2011 in South Florida. This time, it took over 10 years and $23 million to eliminate the population again.
Unfortunately, in 2022, the Giant African Land Snail was found in Pasco County, and later that year in Lee County. In 2023, it was detected in Broward County. These infestations prompted swift and intensive eradication programs, including quarantines and public outreach. These programs are still ongoing as we work to remove this pest from Florida.
If you think you’ve spotted a Giant African Land Snail, early detection is critical. Report sightings immediately by calling the FDACS Helpline at 1-888-397-1517 or emailing a photo to DPIHelpline@fdacs.gov. Your report could help prevent the spread of this damaging pest.
Resources on Invasive Snails, Slugs and More
Terrestrial Mollusk ID Tool
Terrestrial slugs of Florida EDIS
Terrestrial snails affecting plants in Florida EDIS
FDACS Giant African Land Snail Resources
FDACS Florida Snail ID Sheet
USDA Resources on Giant African Land Snail
Exotic Pet Amnesty Program
Want to watch the recording?
What is the upcoming schedule?
We are meeting online via Zoom from 12:00PM-1:00PM on the First Friday of every month from Sept 2022-Aug 2025. Maybe longer too! Please visit this blog for registration information and the upcoming schedule for Sept. 2024-2025.
Questions?
Contact Dr. Morgan Pinkerton, morgan0402@ufl.edu
Or
Visit the Florida First Detector Website
The post June 2025 First Friday with Florida First Detector appeared first on UF/IFAS Pest Alert.
Recap of June 2025 First Friday with Florida First Detector Snails and slugs are gastropods, a type of mollusk found all over the world. While snails have a prominent external shell, slugs typically lack a visible shell, making them appear quite different despite being closely related. Identifying these creatures depends on different features. For slugs,
The post June 2025 First Friday with Florida First Detector appeared first on UF/IFAS Pest Alert.
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Source: UF/IFAS Pest Alert
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