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Pacific Pests, Pathogens & Weeds - Mini Fact Sheet Edition

Asian tramp snail (369)

Photo 1. Collection of Asian tramp snails, Bradybaena similis, showing the variation of shell colour.

Photo 2. Shells of the tramp snail, Bradybaena similis, showing outward curling of the lip at the mouth of the shell; this lip is white (on some shells).

Photo 3. Asian tramp snail, Bradybaena similis, on bitter gourd.

Photo 4. Asian tramp snail, Bradybaena similis, and leaf damage on bitter gourd.

Summary

Worldwide distribution. Common in Pacific island countries.
Shells vary, 12-16 mm diam, whitish to light brown, with or without narrow brown bands between whorls, and outward curved white lip. Hermaphrodite, capable of self-fertilization. Eggs below soil surface, hatchlings after 15 days, adults after 6 months.
Damage direct: many crops (vegetables, trees, ornamentals) of economic importance eaten; indirect, faeces may contain rat lung worm.
Spread on 'foot' or long distances via international plant trade.
Biosecurity: commonly found on freight containers (hence the name 'tramp').
Natural enemies: predatory snails and flatworms should NOT be introduced without environmental impact studies. These generalists will annihilate local snails. Use Indian runner ducks.
Cultutal control: bare earth or sand around plots; collect snails; use beer traps to attract snails.
Chemical control: Note metaldehyde NOT encouraged: toxic to livestock, pets and humans; use baits with iron phosphate, sodium ferric EDTA - effective and safer.

Common Name

Asian tramp snail

Scientific Name

Bradybaena similaris; previously, Helix similaris.

AUTHOR Grahame Jackson & Mani Mua
Information from Brodie G & Barker GM (2012) Bradybaena similaris (Rang, 1831). Family Bradybaenidae. Introduced land snails of the Fiji Islands. Fact Sheet Series, No. 2. USP, Fiji; and Bradybaenidae. Terrestrial Mollusc Tool. USDA, University of Florida. (http://idtools.org/id/mollusc/factsheet.php?name=Bradybaenidae); and Asian trampsnail. Wikipedia. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asian_trampsnail); and from Capinera JL, White (2014) Featured Creatures: Terrestrial snails affecting plants in Florida. UF/IFAS, University of Florida. (http://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/misc/gastro/terrestrial_snails.htm). Photo 1 Zell H Bradybaena similaris. (https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Bradybaena_similaris_01.JPG).

Produced with support from the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research under project HORT/2016/185: Responding to emerging pest and disease threats to horticulture in the Pacific islands, implemented by the University of Queensland and the Secretariat of the Pacific Community.

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