White garden snail

White garden snail

Theba pisana

Common name:

White garden snail

Scientific name:

Theba pisana

Alternative common names:


Description:

A relatively small snail with a shell diameter of 20mm. It is similar looking in shape to the common garden snail (also an invasive species from Europe), but much paler in colour with some specimens being chalky white. They often have broken brown lines along the spirals. Agricultural and garden pest – it is known to damage numerous plants as well as economically important crops.

Additional Information


Where does this species come from?

The Mediterranean region.

What is its invasive status in South Africa?

NEMBA Category 1b.

Where in South Africa is it a problem?

Mostly along the coastal region of the Western and Eastern Cape, as well as parts of KwaZulu-Natal.

How does it spread?

Through dispersal.

Why is it a problem?

Agricultural and garden pest – it is known to damage numerous plants as well as economically important crops.

What does it look like?

Description: A relatively small snail with a shell diameter of 20mm. It is similar looking in shape to the common garden snail (also an invasive species from Europe), but much paler in colour with some specimens being chalky white. They often have broken brown lines along the spirals.

Habitat: Coastal vegetation as well as gardens along the coast. This snail has invaded large sections of fynbos vegetation.

Breeding: Lays numerous eggs in vegetation.

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