Non-native Apple Snails in the Continental U.S.
Author Information
Author(s): Timothy A Rawlings, Kenneth A Hayes, Robert H Cowie, Timothy M Collins
Primary Institution: Florida International University
Hypothesis
What are the identities, distributions, and impacts of non-native apple snails in the continental United States?
Conclusion
There are five species of non-native apple snails in the continental U.S., with implications for native ecosystems and agriculture.
Supporting Evidence
- Three species of apple snails are spreading rapidly in the U.S.
- Introduced apple snails have the potential to alter native freshwater habitats significantly.
- Matching haplotypes suggest the potential for range expansion.
Takeaway
This study found that five types of apple snails that don't belong here are living in the U.S., and they could hurt our plants and animals.
Methodology
Phylogenetic analyses of mtDNA sequences combined with examination of introduced populations and museum collections.
Limitations
The study only sampled about one quarter of the Florida populations of apple snails with channeled sutures.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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