Achatina fulica is referred to the representatives of the gastropods of the land mollusks. It is an invasive species representative. In other words, it is an invader of its habitats. The coastal strip of East Africa is a homeland of these huge animals. However, 200 years demonstrated that the population and amount of this type of snails has significantly increased due to the fact that they can breed extremely fast: one snail is capable of giving up to eight billion offspring in the three years period. However, all types of tropical cultures may be spoiled by this type of snails. They consume cocoa, banana, tea and coconuts
Achatina snail
It may have the shell, reaching 25 centimeters in length, while the body may have 30 cm. It is of a conical shape. The spectral color of shell may vary from the yellow-red tones; however, its color depends on the type of habitat. It has the features of grape snail, especially when the representative is young.
From the point of view of climatic preferences, this type of snails prefers high humidity and warm climate. However, in the process of a search of new habitats, these snails managed to master new biotopes: agricultural fields, forest-steppe with rare thickets, lowlands, river valleys, thickets of shrubs. The most appropriate temperature, at which they feel comfortable is +10 to +30 degrees Celsius. When the temperature falls significantly, the snail can fall into hibernation.
Multiplication of these snails takes place 5-6 times a year. They are hermaphrodites, able to self-fertilize. In the period of fertilization, mollusk become longer and is able to lay eggs. One individual mollusk can have almost 300 eggs. During the first years of life, the mollusks are growing quite rapidly.
Life expectancy may also depend upon the threats, with which the mollusks face in their life, since achatina has an enemy – predator, gonaksis.
Use and damage
These mollusks can become extremely dangerous for agriculture, since they eat almost everything. Florida, USA witnessed the destruction of huge amount of crops, trees and plasters on houses during one year of their reproduction. These snails can destroy crops and helpful plants, trees, animal waste, sewage. mucus of achatina is actively used for creation of ointments for rapid healing, restoration, rejuvenation of the skin.
Snail slime treat psoriasis! Its content has
- Collagen,
- elastine,
- Vitamins of С, Е, А group,
- Amino acids,
- Naturally occurring antibiotics.
Achatina is a pet
This pet is truly unique, since it does not bring allergies, does not require special care and grow extremely rapidly. The most conformable temperature for them is 40 ° C. in addition, they do not need special containers or coating, so warm shower is enough for them.Due to the long-term memory, Achatina can remember the location of the feeder.