giant african snail

The Giant African Snail (GAS) is one of the world’s largest and most damaging land snails. Native to Eastern Africa, it has quickly spread around the world and is now established in most tropical countries. Australia is free from the Giant African Snail and we want to keep it that way.

What is the risk to Australia?

The Giant African Snail is capable of feeding on more than 500 species of plants, including legume crops, ornamental plants, vegetables and the bark of large trees such as citrus and pawpaw. It could pose a serious risk to Australia’s horticultural industries.

What does the Giant African Snail look like?

Adult snails are very large with a long narrow cone shaped shell. The shell is usually 50 to 100 millimetres long but can reach up to 200 millimetres. They can vary in colour however they are most commonly light brown, with alternating brown and cream bands on the upper whorls. All adult snails have both male and female sexual organs therefore don’t need another snail to mate.

Eggs are 4.5 to 5.5 millimetres in diameter and are cream to yellow in colour. They are oval in shape and each batch laid can have between 100 and 400 eggs. In a typical year, every mated adult lays about 1200 eggs.

What to look for

Adult snails can be found attached to shipping containers, machinery and motor vehicles. Sometimes, snail trails may also be apparent. Eggs can also be carried in soil associated with imported goods.

What to do if you find any suspect GAS

• SEE. SECURE. REPORT.
  
• If you SEE any suspect findings, SECURE them where possible and immediately REPORT them to AQIS on 1800 020 504.
  
• Consult AQIS entomologists prior to handling or collecting specimens.

More information

website
Phone: 1800 020 504 Freecall within Australia