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Achatinidae
Achatinidae
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Achatinidae
Temporal range: Eocene–Recent
Giant African land snail, Lissachatina fulica
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Mollusca
Class: Gastropoda
Order: Stylommatophora
Superfamily: Achatinoidea
Family: Achatinidae
Swainson, 1840[1]

Achatinidae (New Latin, from Greek "agate") is a family of medium to large sized tropical land snails, terrestrial pulmonate gastropod mollusks from Africa.

Well known species include Achatina achatina the Giant African Snail, and Lissachatina fulica the Giant East African Snail.

As of 2022, there were 105 genera recognized within the family Achatinidae.

Description

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In this family, the number of haploid chromosomes lies between 26 and 30 (according to the values in this table).[2]

Distribution

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The native distribution of Achatinidae is Africa south of the Sahara.[3]

Taxonomy

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As of 2022, the family Achatinidae contains the following subfamilies:[4]

  • Achatininae Swainson, 1840 – synonyms: Urceidae Chaper, 1884; Ampullidae Winckworth, 1945
  • Coeliaxinae Pilsbry, 1907
  • Cryptelasminae Germain, 1916
  • Glessulinae Godwin-Austin, 1920
  • Opeatinae Thiele, 1931
  • Petriolinae Schileyko, 1999
  • Pyrgininae Germain, 1916
  • Rishetiinae Schileyko, 1999
  • Rumininae Wenz, 1923
  • Stenogyrinae P. Fischer & Crosse, 1877
  • Subulininae P. Fischer & Crosse, 1877
  • Thyrophorellinae Girard, 1895

Genera

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Burtoa nilotica shell

The following genera are recognised in the family Achatinidae:[5]

Achatininae

Coeliaxinae

Cryptelasminae

Glessulinae

Opeatinae

Petriolinae

Pyrgininae

Rishetiinae

Rumininae

Stenogyrinae

Subulininae

Thyrophorellinae

Other subfamilies

References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Achatinidae Swainson, 1840, is a family of medium- to large-sized tropical land snails belonging to the pulmonate gastropods (order Stylommatophora), characterized by elongated, often conical shells and terrestrial habits in humid environments. Native primarily to , these air-breathing mollusks are herbivores that feed on vegetation and decaying plant matter, with many exhibiting hermaphroditism and high reproductive rates through egg-laying clutches of hundreds. The encompasses approximately 200 distributed across about 13 genera, though taxonomic revisions have suggested higher diversity in some classifications. Key genera within Achatinidae include Achatina, Archachatina, and Lissachatina, with notable species such as Lissachatina fulica (the giant African snail), which can reach shell lengths of up to 20 cm and is one of the largest terrestrial snails. These snails typically inhabit forests, grasslands, and agricultural areas, thriving in warm, moist conditions with temperatures above 10°C and the ability to aestivate during dry periods. Biologically, Achatinidae species are simultaneous hermaphrodites capable of self-fertilization in some cases, though cross-fertilization is preferred, leading to rapid population growth; females can produce 200–400 eggs per clutch multiple times per year. While endemic to , several Achatinidae species have become globally invasive due to human-mediated introductions for , pets, or accidentally, posing significant threats to , native , and human health by damaging crops and serving as intermediate hosts for parasites like (the rat lungworm). Notable invasives include , which has spread to , the , and Pacific islands, where it consumes over 500 plant species and multiplies uncontrollably in favorable climates. Conservation efforts focus on controlling these pests through biological agents, barriers, and eradication programs, as their adaptability and lack of natural predators in non-native ranges exacerbate ecological disruptions.

Taxonomy and Classification

Higher Classification

Achatinidae belongs to the phylum , class , subclass , infraclass Euthyneura, cohort Tectipleura, superorder Eupulmonata, order Stylommatophora, superfamily Achatinoidea, and is included within the informal group Sigmurethra, a major clade of terrestrial pulmonates characterized by a sigmoid secondary urethra. The family was formally established by William Swainson in 1840, who elevated Achatinidae from its prior status as a (originally described as Achatinae) to full family rank based on anatomical distinctions among pulmonate gastropods. This revision reflected early 19th-century efforts to reorganize stylommatophoran around reproductive and soft-tissue characters rather than solely shell morphology. Members of Achatinidae are terrestrial pulmonate gastropods distinguished at the family level by key anatomical traits, including the sigmoid configuration of retractor muscles associated with the —a hallmark of the Sigmurethra—and a featuring a central that is typically tricuspid with accessory cusps, alongside marginal teeth adapted for rasping . These features aid in delimiting the family from related achatinoid groups like the Subulinidae. The family encompasses 12 recognized subfamilies, including the nominal Achatininae (type subfamily, from Greek achates, meaning "agate," alluding to the glossy shell appearance), Coeliaxinae, Cryptelasminae, Glessulinae, Opeatinae, Petriolinae, Pyrgininae, Rumininae, Stenogyrinae, Subulininae, and Thyrophorellinae, with some taxa remaining unassigned pending further phylogenetic resolution. Recent molecular studies continue to refine these boundaries, confirming Achatinidae's monophyly within Achatinoidea while highlighting polyphyly in certain subfamilies.

Genera and Species

The family Achatinidae encompasses approximately 77 genera and over 200 species, primarily terrestrial pulmonate gastropods native to . Recent molecular phylogenetic studies have significantly expanded the number of recognized genera through taxonomic revisions and new descriptions. The type genus, (established by Lamarck in 1799), includes notable species such as A. achatina, recognized for its large size and role in West African ecosystems. Other prominent genera are , exemplified by L. fulica (previously classified as Achatina fulica), with species like A. marginata, Columna, Leptachatina, Cochlitoma, and Ziziphora. Taxonomic revisions in the , driven by molecular phylogenetic analyses (including mitochondrial and nuclear markers) alongside anatomical studies, led to the reclassification of several species from to Lissachatina, clarifying evolutionary relationships within the subfamily Achatininae. Diversity within Achatinidae is concentrated in , where most are endemic and show adaptations to varied habitats, from humid forests to savannas, with significant intraspecific variation in adult size (ranging from small forms under 5 cm to giants exceeding 20 cm in shell length). Endemic genera like Leptachatina and Ziziphora are largely restricted to specific African regions, whereas and Lissachatina include the family's largest and have achieved wider distributions through human-mediated introductions, though their core diversity remains continental.

Physical Description

Shell Characteristics

The shells of Achatinidae are typically elongated and spindle-shaped, ranging from ovate-conical to or subglobular forms, with a high, conical that contributes to their distinctive profile. They possess 5 to 9 moderately convex whorls, often numbering 6 to 8 in mature specimens, which provide structural support and allow for incremental growth. The overall shape varies by genus: for instance, species in the genus exhibit broadly ovate to elongate-ovate contours, while those in Archachatina tend toward broader, more rounded forms, and species in the subgenus of Archachatina display slender, subulate outlines. The is generally oval to oblong and moderately wide, frequently subpyriform or elongate-ovate in shape, occupying a significant portion of the shell's base. The is typically simple, thin, and sharp-edged, though it may become slightly thickened or expanded in mature individuals of certain genera like Archachatina, without pronounced reflection in most cases. Internal features include a truncate , which may be straight, concave, or sinuous, and in some of Archachatina (subgenus Tholachatina), prominent pillars or plicae are present along the or parietal wall, serving as diagnostic traits for identification. These internal structures, along with the dextral , distinguish Achatinidae from related families. Surface texture ranges from smooth and glossy, marked only by fine, irregular growth lines, to sculptured with granulose, decussate, or bead-like patterns, particularly on the early whorls (protoconch and nepionic stages). Coloration is highly variable, often featuring a base of yellowish-brown, straw-yellow, or pale tan, accented by darker chestnut, reddish-brown, or zigzag bands and streaks; some species, like those in Archachatina, display uniform vinaceous-red or purplish hues. The shells are thin-walled relative to their size, composed of aragonitic crossed-lamellar layers without a shiny nacreous interior. Size within the family spans medium forms (20–50 mm in length) to giant species exceeding 100 mm, with the largest, such as Achatina achatina, reaching up to 200 mm in height and 100 mm in width. For example, Lissachatina fulica (formerly placed in Achatina) typically measures 75–200 mm, showcasing the family's capacity for substantial growth influenced by environmental factors. These dimensions and the high spire angle (often pointed or dome-shaped apex) are key diagnostic features that aid in distinguishing Achatinidae shells in fossil and archaeological contexts.

Soft Body Anatomy

Achatinidae snails possess a soft body adapted for terrestrial life, characterized by simultaneous hermaphroditism, where each individual contains both reproductive organs, enabling primarily cross-fertilization, though self-fertilization is possible in some species. The body consists of a head, a muscular foot for locomotion, and a visceral mass housing internal organs, all retractable into the shell for protection. The foot is broad and elongated, facilitating gliding movement via undulating waves, and is covered by a thin that secretes to reduce and prevent . The mantle forms a collar around the visceral hump, enclosing a mantle cavity that functions as a pulmonary sac or , with a vascularized wall for through a opening that regulates air intake. Sensory organs include two pairs of tentacles: the upper pair bears eyes at their tips for basic vision, while the lower pair is equipped with chemoreceptors for detecting odors, aiding in and . The , a chitinous ribbon-like structure within the buccal mass, features numerous transverse rows of adapted for rasping ; in species like , it includes a tricuspid rachidian centrally, flanked by bicuspid median teeth and tricuspid lateral teeth, enabling efficient scraping of material. Mucous glands, particularly the pedal gland located at the foot's anterior margin, produce copious slime essential for locomotion across varied terrains and for forming protective barriers during egg-laying or estivation. Internally, the digestive system comprises a buccal mass with and , followed by an leading to a thin-walled for , a muscular for grinding, a embedded in the digestive , and a coiled intestine terminating in the . The reproductive system includes an ovo-testis producing gametes, a hermaphrodite duct branching into and , an albumen secreting nutrient-rich egg coating, and a capsule forming protective egg capsules.

Distribution and Habitat

Native Range

The Achatinidae family is primarily native to , encompassing a broad distribution across tropical and subtropical regions south of the Sahara Desert. This range includes West African coastal areas from and eastward to and for species like and , extending inland to regions such as the basin. In , the distribution reaches from southern and Natal northward to , , , and , where species such as are endemic. Regional within the family highlights centers of diversity, with larger-bodied like those in the genus Archachatina concentrated in West African humid forests and woodlands, reflecting adaptations to resource-rich environments. In contrast, East African regions support smaller, more speciose forms, contributing to higher overall generic diversity in lowland tropical zones. The family avoids arid and semi-arid zones, with distributions limited to areas of consistent moisture. Achatinids prefer habitats in tropical rainforests, humid woodlands, and edges, where they utilize leaf litter, decayed wood, and floors for shelter and . These environments provide the high and warm temperatures (typically 20–30°C) essential for their activity, with a noted preference for or limestone-rich soils that support shell calcification. The altitudinal range is predominantly lowland, from up to approximately 1,500 m, where cooler montane conditions and reduced limit occurrence. Historical biogeography of Achatinidae points to ancient African origins, with fossil records indicating presence since at least the in East African deposits, such as those from and . These s, including shells of genera like Limicolaria and , suggest early diversification in tropical settings, potentially linked to broader Gondwanan lineages through vicariance patterns in the Afrotropical region. Earlier Eocene affinities in adjacent areas further underscore the family's long-term stability in sub-Saharan ecosystems.

Introduced Ranges and Invasiveness

Species of the family Achatinidae, particularly Lissachatina fulica, have been introduced to numerous regions outside their native East African range through human activities, establishing invasive populations in tropical and subtropical areas worldwide. Major introduced regions include , where L. fulica was first documented in in 1847 and has since spread to countries such as , , and Southeast Asian nations; the Pacific Islands, including and other archipelagos; the , with establishments in since 1997, since 2014, and temporary outbreaks in ; the , where introductions occurred starting in 1984 across multiple islands; and Indian Ocean islands like and . Additionally, in 2025, Lissachatina immaculata was recorded for the first time as invasive in . These introductions have primarily occurred via accidental transport through , such as in contaminated plant material, soil, or cargo shipments, and intentional releases as exotic pets, for food sources, or even for purported biological control in the past. The first recorded intentional introduction of L. fulica to involved specimens from released by a British malacologist, facilitating rapid spread from there. Other Achatinidae species, such as and Limicolaria aurora, have been introduced to the but often failed to establish long-term populations. The invasiveness of Achatinidae, especially L. fulica, stems from traits like high reproductive output—hermaphroditic individuals can lay up to 400 eggs per clutch multiple times annually—and effective dispersal through egg clusters buried in , which survive and . These snails exhibit rapid in disturbed, urban, or agricultural habitats, aided by their broad dietary range and ability to aestivate in dry conditions. L. fulica is parthenogenetic in many introduced populations, further enhancing establishment success. Current management efforts have achieved eradication in select areas, such as , where USDA programs successfully eliminated L. fulica populations from the 2011 outbreak in 2021 after multiple outbreaks, but subsequent detections in areas like Pasco (2022) and Broward/Lee (2023) have led to ongoing quarantines and management efforts in several counties as of 2025, using methods including hand collection and . However, populations persist and expand in the Pacific Islands like , where ongoing surveys detect the snail in urban and natural areas. Other species like A. marginata were introduced to in the 1980s but did not establish. Achatinidae thrive in tropical and subtropical climates with temperatures of 20–30°C and high humidity (above 70%), preferring moist, shaded environments with ample rainfall. Climate suitability models indicate that L. fulica currently occupies suitable habitats in over 50 countries, with projections under future warming scenarios northward and poleward range expansions in , the , and , potentially increasing invasion risk in vulnerable regions.

Ecology and Life History

Diet and Foraging

Members of the Achatinidae family are primarily herbivorous, consuming a diverse array of materials such as leaves, fruits, flowers, bark, fungi, and decaying . This broad dietary range supports their survival across varied environments, with laboratory studies indicating optimal growth and reproduction when fed , grains, and calcium-supplemented diets. Foraging in Achatinidae typically occurs at night, during which individuals use their —a chitinous, rasping tongue-like —to scrape and ingest particles. They exhibit a strong preference for calcium-rich substrates, such as or soils, to facilitate shell maintenance and growth, often resorting to consuming decayed shells if dietary sources are insufficient. In native African forests, their consumption of decaying vegetation plays a key role in nutrient cycling by accelerating decomposition and returning essential elements like and to the . For instance, the Lissachatina fulica feeds on over 500 plant species, underscoring the family's dietary versatility. Feeding activity in Achatinidae intensifies during wet seasons, when availability enhances mobility and food accessibility, leading to higher consumption rates. In contrast, during dry periods, snails often enter , a state of involving reduced or ceased feeding to conserve energy and prevent .

Reproduction and Development

Members of the Achatinidae family, such as , are simultaneous hermaphrodites, possessing both reproductive organs, and typically engage in reciprocal cross-fertilization during copulation, although self-fertilization is possible but rare, particularly in isolated individuals. Courtship behavior precedes and follows a fixed pattern, with one individual acting as the initiator and the other as the acceptor, differing from the simultaneous reciprocal courtship seen in many other land snails; copulation often lasts several hours and involves the transfer of spermatophores. Breeding activity peaks annually during rainy seasons in regions with distinct wet and dry periods, while occurring year-round in consistently humid environments. Reproduction is oviparous, with adults laying clutches of 100–400 eggs, though sizes can range up to 1,000 or more, buried in moist soil or up to 10–15 cm deep; females may retain fertilized eggs in the for delayed deposition. Incubation lasts 1–4 weeks, influenced by temperature (optimal at 25–30°C) and , with occurring over 24–36 hours in damp conditions; hatchlings emerge at 5–10 mm in shell length. The life cycle progresses rapidly, with juveniles reaching in 4–18 months depending on environmental conditions, and adults living 2–7 years on average, though up to 9 years in optimal settings. Growth rates are significantly affected by calcium availability, essential for shell development, with inadequate leading to thinner shells and reduced . High individual , up to 1,200 eggs per year across multiple clutches, contributes to rapid population expansion and invasiveness in suitable habitats.

Significance to Humans

Agricultural and Economic Impacts

The within Achatinidae, particularly , inflict substantial damage on agricultural systems by consuming over 500 species of economically important plants, including staple crops such as , cocoa, bananas, tomatoes, and leafy like . This voracious feeding targets succulent foliage, seedlings, and fruits, leading to defoliation and reduced yields, with nearly 90% of cultivated plants in affected regions like vulnerable during rainy seasons. In and the Pacific, where infestations are widespread, annual agricultural losses from such damage contribute to broader economic burdens, with global costs of invasive gastropods exceeding US $3.94 billion (as of 2020) since 1966, disproportionately concentrated in . For L. fulica specifically, reported management and damage costs total around US $30.85 million across continents, underscoring its role in escalating production expenses for small-scale farmers. Economic repercussions extend beyond direct crop losses to include costly control measures and trade barriers. Eradication programs, such as the joint USDA-Florida Department of Agriculture effort in Miami-Dade County from 2011 to 2021, incurred over $23 million in expenses, involving extensive surveillance, chemical treatments, and enforcement to prevent further spread. Similar initiatives in earlier outbreaks, like the 1966-1975 Florida incursion, cost $1 million at the time. Infestations also trigger international trade restrictions, such as phytosanitary s that halt exports of infested agricultural products, amplifying financial strain on economies reliant on commodities like cocoa and bananas. Beyond agriculture, L. fulica disrupts ecosystems by outcompeting and occasionally preying on native species, thereby reducing in invaded habitats. Its burrowing and high consumption rates alter nutrient cycling, while calcium-rich shells can neutralize acidic soils, potentially harming adapted to low environments. Additionally, the facilitates weed proliferation through in its , exacerbating invasive plant issues in natural and managed landscapes. In contrast to these negative effects, native Achatinidae species like provide economic benefits in , where they are harvested and farmed as a protein-rich food source, supporting rural livelihoods and contributing to amid high prices. Case studies highlight the severity: In , L. fulica—introduced in 1847 and attaining serious pest status by the mid-20th century—has devastated small farms, with ongoing damage to crops like betel vine and prompting sustained management challenges. In the Pacific Islands, persistent invasions have led to reductions of up to 50% in vulnerable areas, though comprehensive economic valuations remain incomplete due to underreporting.

Health Risks and Management

Achatinidae species, particularly the invasive giant African snail Lissachatina fulica, pose significant risks primarily as intermediate hosts for the parasitic nematode , known as the rat lungworm, which causes eosinophilic meningitis in humans upon ingestion of infected s or contaminated produce. Human infections typically occur through consumption of raw or undercooked s, slugs, or harboring the larvae, leading to severe neurological symptoms including headaches, , and , with most cases resolving but some resulting in long-term complications. Additionally, these snails can carry bacterial pathogens such as spp., which contaminate snail meat and handling surfaces, contributing to foodborne illnesses like characterized by , fever, and abdominal cramps, especially in regions where snails are consumed as food. Management of Achatinidae populations to mitigate health threats involves integrated approaches, including chemical molluscicides like metaldehyde-based baits that induce and in snails, applied in targeted areas to reduce numbers without broad environmental harm. Biological controls, such as introducing predatory snails like Gonaxis spp., have been attempted to suppress populations, though efficacy varies and risks unintended ecological impacts on . Physical methods, including hand collection and barriers like tape or soil treatments, complement these efforts in small-scale or urban settings, while protocols enforced by the USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) prevent interstate spread through inspections and restrictions on infested materials. Conservation efforts focus on protecting native, non-invasive Achatinidae species in African forests, where habitat loss and overcollection threaten endemics; for instance, Archachatina bicarinata is classified as Endangered by the IUCN due to restricted range and declining populations. The 2021 eradication of L. fulica from the 2011 infestation in through a decade-long USDA-FDACS program combining surveillance, molluscicides, and public reporting marked the second eradication of this pest in and reduced associated health risks at the time, though subsequent detections (e.g., in 2022 and 2023) have required ongoing management efforts and quarantines in areas like Broward, Lee, and Pasco counties as of 2025. Global guidelines from organizations like CABI and the IUCN's Specialist Group (ISSG) emphasize early detection, rapid response, and international cooperation to prevent reintroductions while safeguarding .

References

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