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The Nonindigenous Occurrences section of the NAS species profiles has a new structure. The section is now dynamically updated from the NAS database to ensure that it contains the most current and accurate information. Occurrences are summarized in Table 1, alphabetically by state, with years of earliest and most recent observations, and the tally and names of drainages where the species was observed. The table contains hyperlinks to collections tables of specimens based on the states, years, and drainages selected. References to specimens that were not obtained through sighting reports and personal communications are found through the hyperlink in the Table 1 caption or through the individual specimens linked in the collections tables.

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Common name: channeled applesnail

Synonyms and Other Names: Golden applesnail

Taxonomy: available through www.itis.gov

Identification: Typical applesnails are globular in shape. Normal coloration typically includes bands of brown, black, and yellowish-tan, and color patterns are extremely variable. Albino and gold color variations exist (R. Howells, personal communication).

Size: 62.5 mm shell height, 56 mm shell width (Hayes et al. 2012)

Native Range: South America, central portion of the continent primarily Argentina (northern), Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay (Hayes et al. 2012).

Alaska	Hawaii	Puerto Rico & Virgin Islands	Guam Saipan

Hydrologic Unit Codes (HUCs) Explained
Interactive maps: Point Distribution Maps

Ecology: Pomacea canaliculata optimal water temperatures for rearing is between 15-35 °C (Seuffert and Martin 2016).

Means of Introduction: Probable aquarium release for initial introductions.

Status: Established in California and Hawaii.

Impact of Introduction: Impacts rice and taro agriculture worldwide where introduced.

Remarks: Research by Savaya-Alkalay et al. (2018) suggests that the development of all-male prawn populations of Macrobrachium rosenbergii has the potential as an biocontrol agent over hatchling and adult apple snails (Pomacea spp.). Medium-sized and large prawns (10–30 g)  preyed on snails up to 15mm in size, while small prawns (up to 4 g) effectively consumed snail hatchlings.

References: (click for full references)

Hayes, K.A., R.H. Cowie, S.C. Thiengo, and E.E. Strong. 2012. Comparing apples with apples: clarifying the identities of two highly invasive Neotropical Ampullaridae (Caenogastropoda). Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society 166(4):723-753.

Howells, R. Personal communication. Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.

Savaya-Alkalay, A., Ovadia, O., Barki, A., and A. Sagi. 2018. Size-selective predation by all-male prawns: implications for sustainable biocontrol of snail invasions. Biological Invasions 20:137–149.

Seuffert, M. E. and P. R. Martin. 2016. Thermal limits for the establishment and growth of populations of the invasive apple snail Pomacea canaliculata. Biological Invasions. DOI 10.1007/s10530-016-1305-0.

Other Resources:
Pomacea canaliculata (Global Invasive Species Database) 

The identity, distribution, and impacts of non-native apple snails in the continental United States

Author: Daniel, W. M.

This information is preliminary or provisional and is subject to revision. It is being provided to meet the need for timely best science. The information has not received final approval by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and is provided on the condition that neither the USGS nor the U.S. Government shall be held liable for any damages resulting from the authorized or unauthorized use of the information.