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Pomacea canaliculata (Lamarck, 1822) In Upper Reaches Of Julington Creek In Duval County |
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During a terrestrial snail survey in
Duval County on October 30, 2014, this reporter discovered a single Pomacea canaliculata in
the upper reaches of Julington Creek where the creek crosses underneath
Philips Highway (Route US-1). This site is known locally as the
Freedom Commerce Center Tract [located just north of the Avenues Mall
and east of US-1]. When first spotted crawling in the creek (image
below, inset), the snail was believed to be a very large Pomacea
paludosa (Say, 1829) Florida Applesnail since this species had
previously been found at this location (See:
Freedom Commerce Center Tract, Southeastern Duval
County, Florida). However, upon retrieving the specimen from
the water it was discovered to be a Pomacea canaliculata. No
additional specimens, either living or empty shells, could be found. It
should be noted that this reporter has visited this site on a periodic
basis since 2003 and no previous evidence of Channeled Apple Snails had
ever been found. Postscript: Following the find of the single snail during October, 2014 the site was revisited on an irregular basis for almost six years and no additional evidence of Pomacea canaliculata was seen. Finally on 10/15/2020 a single fresh egg clutch was found on the concrete box culvert pictured below indicating that a viable Pomacea canaliculata population is still present. |
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Location where the live Pomacea canaliculata was found looking to the north northeast |
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The specimen found is pictured below which measures 77 mm. |
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