Rumina decollata

Family

Subulinidae

Species

Rumina decollata (Linnaeus, 1758)

Common Name

Description

The shell of mature specimens can attain a maximum length of 45 mm and a width of 14 mm. It is reasonably easy to detect mature specimens of this species, as they are characteristically "decollate-shaped". Upon maturity, adult specimens intentionally break off the tip of the shell, leaving it with a blunt end. There are generally 4-7 whorls in adult specimens. An additional 3-4 whorls may be observed in juveniles of this species.

Native Range

Mediterranean region

Distribution

North America:

U.S.: Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas

Central and South America: Mexico

Europe

Caribbean: Bermuda, Cuba

Other: Mediterranean Region

Ecology

The decollate snail has been employed as biological control for pestiferous snail and slugs for many years. This species will rarely consume plant material. This generalist predator will feed indiscriminately and has been implicated in the decimation of native gastropods (including non-pest species) and beneficial annelids. Sexual maturity occurs at approximately 10 months. Each adult is capable of laying 500 eggs throughout its lifetime. The eggs are deposited singly in the soil and will hatch between 10-45 days.

Synonyms

Bulimus decollatus Draparnaud, 1805
Helix decollata Linnaeus, 1758
Orbitina incomparabilis Germain, 1930
Orbitana truncatella (Germain, 1930)

References

Abbott 1989; Anderson 2005; Burch 1962

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