Day 331: Mystery does indeed surround the Chinese Mysterysnail, not only with regard to its ecological impact, but in both its scientific and common names. It may be listed as Cipangopaludina or Bellamya, or more rarely as Viviparus; subspecies may or may not exist. It may be called Mysterysnail or Mystery Snail, or Apple Snail, or Japanese Mystery Snail, or Trapdoor Snail or...well, you see the problem, don't you? The fact is that scientists are undecided on whether there are multiple genera or only one, and until that is determined conclusively, species and subspecies are dangerous waters indeed. I've opted for the scientific name adopted by USGS, since that's where I filed my report. Report? Well, there's another mystery. Currently, this snail is only listed as invasive in Minnesota despite its abundance in the waters of at least 37 states. USGS is tracking the species in an attempt to determine its possible impacts. How did it establish? It may have been imported as a foodstuff (escargot, anyone?), or it may have been released from home aquariums. It is believed to have gained its first foothold in the Niagara River some time in the 1930s. It can host a number of different parasites which affect other aquatic life, and at least one which affects humans. The latter has not been detected in the US. As you can see, these snails are quite large. The shell can be as much as 2.5 inches tall. I found at least two dozen of them while paddling around Swofford Pond. This one was by no means the largest.
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