Asian tramp snail
In eastern Australia, the Asian tramp snail (Bradybaena similaris) is a pest in vineyards and market gardens.
Background
The Asian tramp snail is not a notifiable pest. Originally from eastern Asia, their geographic distribution is mainly tropical or subtropical.
This species is found in New South Wales and Queensland, but it has been recorded on the east coast as far south as Bega.
Asian tramp snail is unlikely to establish in SA due to the cold conditions over winter. However, it may persist in warm isolated areas that are protected and well-watered, such as the damp conditions of:
- house gardens
- nurseries
- greenhouses.
Impacts
This successful invader has the potential to be a hitchhiker pest, being transported on plants, pots, and packaging, or as eggs in soil and equipment.
Businesses concerned about introducing the snail should liaise with the exporting business, to establish which preventative measures are being taken.
Importing nurseries can use registered insecticides and baits to manage any risks associated with plants coming from infected areas.
Identification
The Asian tramp snail is approximately 12 mm in length and 12 to 18 mm wide.
The shell is whitish to light brown, sometimes with a brown band, with 5.5 whorls.
The snail is cream to light brown, with cream to black optic tentacles. They have a distinctive dark line running up the body and tentacle. There are 4 distinct colour morphs:
- yellow-tan without a band
- yellow-tan with a chestnut-coloured stripe
- pale brown without a band
- pale brown with a chestnut coloured band.
