Wanted!
The Brown Garden Snail

As people and products move more freely about the world, problems with the introduction of non-native plant pests are increasing. The University of Connecticut, along with representatives of other state universities and state and federal agencies, participates in a program to monitor the spread of these exotic pests. The New Jersey Department of Agriculture, Division of Plant Industry, provided the following information concerning the brown garden snail.

The brown garden snail, Cryptomphalus aspersus, is an exotic plant pest, native to Europe and the Mediterranean region, that has been introduced into many parts of the world intentionally as a food delicacy and accidentally by the movement of infested plant materials. This snail was found on residential properties in June 1998 in Margate, New Jersey, a sea-side community in Atlantic County. A number of states and foreign countries have existing quarantines or external regulations prohibiting the introduction or distribution of live plant feeding snails, including the brown garden snail.

Since this snail is not native to the region, anyone finding it should contact a local Extension representative.

The brown garden snail is about one inch in diameter at maturity and has a chestnut brown shell with wide yellowish-brown stripes. Like most land snails, it is nocturnal. It may be active in the daytime during cool, humid, moist conditions, as well. Snails may be present in greenhouses year-round and found in many gardens for most of the summer. Mature snails have been known to hibernate in the topsoil during mild winters and are capable of surviving up to five months during severe winters.

Snails of reproductive age lay eggs up to six times during a season (up to 400 eggs per year), depending on local climate and available moisture. After maturing, they lay about 80 eggs at a time in a nest in the topsoil. Eggs are white, spherical and about 1/8 of an inch in diameter. Most species over-winter in this stage. Low temperatures and humidity inhibit the activities of the snail and dry soil is unsuitable for nest preparation.

The brown garden snail chews holes along the edges or in the middle of leaves and flowers. It can cause extensive damage in orchards by feeding on ripe or ripening fruit, and in nurseries, greenhouse and landscapes by feeding on foliage and young tree bark. It can cause severe damage to both vegetable and floriculture crops.

 HOSTS
 Shrubs boxwood, spider lily, cypress, silk oak, hibiscus, juniper, magnolia, rose
 Vegetables cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, celery, beans, beets, Brussels sprouts, lettuce, mangel, onion, radish, tomatoes, turnips 
 Flowers alyssum, antirrhinum, aster, carnation, candytuft, chrysanthemum, dianthus, dahlia, delphinium, hollyhock, hosta, larkspur, lilies, marguerite, mignonette, nasturtium, pansy, penstemon, petunia, phlox, stock, sweet pea, verbena, zinnia
 Trees apple, apricot, citrus, peach, plum
Another exotic slug pest was found at Cornell University in October 1998. We have less information about this specimen; it was identified as Arion lusitanicus Mabille. It has not been previously found in the United States but is considered a major slug pest of European agriculture. This pest originated in southwestern Europe. It has now spread as far north as Scandinavia, so it is capable of persisting in at least part of New England. The slug is not specific in its food requirements but is considered a pest of a wide range of vegetable crops in Europe. A description of the pest is not available at this time.

It is important to know if new pest species are establishing in the area. If you encounter slug pests that look different than those normally encountered on your farm, notify your local Extension representative.

by:  Richard A. Ashley, Extension Specialist - Vegetables, University of Connecticut

From: YANKEE GROWER. MAY/JUNE 1999. Volume 1-Number 3. p.18-19.

This information was developed for conditions in the Northeast. Use in other geographical areas may be inappropriate.

The information in this material is for educational purposes. The recommendations contained are based on the best available knowledge at the time of printing. Any reference to commercial products, trade or brand names is for information only, and no endorsement or approval is intended. The Cooperative Extension system does not guarantee or warrant the standard of any product referenced or imply approval of the product to the exclusion of others which also may be available.All agrochemicals/pesticides listed are registered for suggested uses in accordance with federal and Connecticut state laws and regulations as of the date of printing. If the information does not agree with current labeling, follow the label instructions. The label is the law.Warning! Agrochemicals/pesticides are dangerous. Read and follow all instructions and safety precautions on labels. Carefully handle and store agrochemicals/pesticides in originally labeled containers immediately in a safe manner and place. Contact the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection for current regulations.The user of this information assumes all risks for personal injury or property damage.Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Kirklyn M. Kerr, Director, Cooperative Extension System, The University of Connecticut, Storrs. The Connecticut Cooperative Extension System offers its programs to persons regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability and is an equal opportunity employer.

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