Red-Rimmed Melania (Melanoides tuberculatus) - A snail in Biscayne National Park, Florida - Harmful invader or just a nuisance?
May 23, 2008
Potentially harmful to humans and other animals, the red-rimmed melania snail (Melanoides tuberculatus; family Thiaridae) was discovered in Biscayne National Park, Florida, in 2003 by U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) researchers. The discovery raised concerns for park managers because this aquatic non-native snail is present in significant numbers in areas frequently used by park visitors and poses a risk of exposure. Researchers are addressing questions such as: Is this species a danger to human health? How widespread is it within the park? What factors control the distribution of the species? Is its presence a threat to native animals?
Citation Information
Publication Year | 2008 |
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Title | Red-Rimmed Melania (Melanoides tuberculatus) - A snail in Biscayne National Park, Florida - Harmful invader or just a nuisance? |
DOI | 10.3133/fs20083006 |
Authors | G. Lynn Wingard, James B. Murray, W. Bane Schill, Emily C. Phillips |
Publication Type | Report |
Publication Subtype | USGS Numbered Series |
Series Title | Fact Sheet |
Series Number | 2008-3006 |
Index ID | fs20083006 |
Record Source | USGS Publications Warehouse |
USGS Organization | Eastern Geology and Paleoclimate Science Center; Florence Bascom Geoscience Center |