If you spot clusters of bright pink eggs in your garden, they likely belong to the invasive apple snail, a species that threatens local ecosystems. Native to South America, apple snails have spread globally, damaging plants, crops, and natural habitats.
Popular in aquariums for their size and colorful appearance, species like Pomacea bridgesii and Pomacea diffusa are attractive to hobbyists but become invasive when introduced to the wild. These snails can grow up to six inches and are known for their striking colors. However, in natural environments, they disrupt ecosystems by eating plants and crops.
Apple snails are ranked among the world’s 100 Worst Invasive Species, able to thrive in a range of wet environments, particularly warmer climates. They can even survive on land by sealing their shells with an operculum to retain moisture.
The spread of apple snails in the U.S. is mainly due to aquarium dumping. Since their first sighting in Texas in the 1970s, they’ve expanded across multiple states. The snails’ introduction to Taiwan in the 1980s, intended to boost the escargot industry, backfired when they destroyed rice crops and spread a dangerous parasite, causing both agricultural and health issues.
