Abstract The superfamily Helicoidea is represented by the largest European land snails. In the present paper, the Helicoidea of Serbia are reviewed (altogether 47 species). Photographs of shells and genital anatomy are provided for 44 and 33 species, respectively. Characters important for identification are discussed and distribution maps are provided for each species (based on both literature and new data). Notes on habitat preferences and distribution in Serbia are given. The latest checklist of Serbian land snails is revised. Six species are reported for the first time from the territory of Serbia: Monacha cf. oshanovae I. Pintér & L. Pintér, 1970, Hygromia cinctella (Draparnaud, 1801), Pseudotrichia rubiginosa (Rossmässler, 1838), Cernuella cisalpina (Rossmässler, 1837), Cattania haberhaueri (Sturany, 1897), and Eobania vermiculata (O. F. Müller, 1774). The following nine species are excluded from the previous checklist, considering the lack of samples or relevant literature data: Liburnica setosa (A. Férussac, 1832), Macularia sylvatica (Draparnaud, 1801), Helix cincta O. F. Müller, 1774, H. secernenda Rossmässler, 1847, Theba pisana (O. F. Müller, 1774), Candidula unifasciata (Poiret, 1801), Perforatella vicina (Rossmässler, 1842), Trochulus striolatus (C. Pfeiffer, 1828), and Urticicola umbrosus (C. Pfeiffer, 1828). The presence of Campylaea ljubetenensis (A. J. Wagner, 1914) and Liburnica hoffmanni (Rossmässler, 1836) is doubtful and still has to be confirmed.

The current work investigates the role of neutral red retention assay, malondialdehyde contents and DNA damage through comet assay as biomarkers of terrestrial environmental pollution using the land snail Eobania vermiculata. Snails were collected in May near a lignite power station located about 6 km near the city of Ptolemaida in the district of Kozani. The results of the study showed significantly lower neutral red retention times, higher malondialdehyde contents and higher formation of single-stranded DNA fragments in the haemolymph of snails collected from the polluted area compared to control animals. In support of our data, the values of pollution biomarkers showed significant correlations, thus encouraging their use in terrestrial pollution biomonitoring studies and highlighting the effects of pollution in terrestrial environments. The findings of this study indicate that the harmful biological effects previously observed in remain evident even after several years. The research was carried out during a pivotal transitional phase, as the area shifts away from lignite-based activities, providing a valuable chance to reassess ecological baselines.

The humid and warm conditions in greenhouses provide an excellent environment for pests’ living conditions, and therefore, they provide ideal medium for alien introductions. Molluscs are among the most significant pests that infest plastic covered greenhouses. To identify and report their mollusc species, 23 greenhouses in Iraq were surveyed between March 2023 and April 2024. Of these, 11 were found to be infested with snails. A total of 158 specimens were collected and morphologically identified to seven species: Monacha obstructa (L. Pfeiffer, 1842), Eobania vermiculata (O.F. Müller, 1774), Xeropicta krynickii (Krynicki, 1833), Rumina decollata (Linnaeus, 1758), Polygyra cereolus (Megerle Von Mühlfeld, 1818), Cochlicella barbara (Linnaeus, 1758), and Veronicella cubensis (L. Pfeiffer, 1840), the latter being a slug species that is reported for the first time in Iraq in this study. With the limited knowledge about the molluscs pests in Iraq, the data presented here will provide valuable baseline information for various agricultural purposes.

The objective of this study is to investigate the molluscicide impacts of some volatile oils, such as geranium oil (Pelargonium graveolens), French lavender oil (Lavandula dentate), and lemon eucalyptus oil (Corymbia citriodora), against adults of Theba pisana (Müller) and Eobania vermiculata (Müller) (Gastropoda: Helicidae) snails at concentrations (7, 14, and 28%). Then, gas chromatography (GC) is a powerful analytical technique utilized to separate, identify, and quantify components in tested volatile oils. Data showed that the maximum effect of mortality percentages was (46.67 and 40.00%) of Lemon eucalyptus oil at the highest concentration after 28 days of T. pisana and E. vermiculata snails, respectively. Furthermore, the outcomes of biochemical investigations explained that Lemon eucalyptus oil for T. pisana snails were reported (-9.69, -9.81 and -8.59%) and (-16.53, -21.37 and -23.53%) of amylase and invertase enzymes, respectively, at the highest concentration, whereas E. vermiculata snails were recorded (-9.13, -6.41 and -5.55%) and (-2.10, -2.54 and -2.61%) of the same enzymes, respectively. Finally, data mentioned that the tested oils can be categorized in declining order of their efficiency as follows: Corymbia citriodora > Lavandula dentate > Pelargonium graveolens on T. pisana followed by E. vermiculata, possibly due to differences in the size of snails.

Background: Eobania vermiculata is a species of land snail that is of great ecological importance as an agricultural pest and invasive pest that causes damage to agricultural crops, orchards and forests. It is characterized by its exceptional ability to adapt to diverse habitats and is native to the Mediterranean regions but is widely distributed in Karbala Governorate, Iraq. Al-Abbas Nurseries, Karbala University Gardens, and Al-Hussainiya Farms were the three different sites in Kerbala where the population density of E. vermiculata was measured. The investigation was conducted throughout the snail’s breeding and growth season. Methods: Samples were collected manually using a wooden square of length (30×30) cm per square meter and for ten replicates from the collection areas specified according to the above-mentioned map for the period from November 2023 to April 2024. The samples were transferred to the laboratories of the College of Education for Pure Sciences. Shell length measurement: Using a standard ruler and dividing them into longitudinal categories, the samples were diagnosed according to the classification keys for snail diagnosis. In addition, the samples were sent to the Natural History Museum at the University of Baghdad to confirm the diagnosis. Results: Significant differences in snail density were observed between the studied areas, with AlAbbas Nurseries showing the lowest density and Karbala University Gardens having the highest density (1732 individuals). In addition, monthly population density analysis revealed that for the majority of sites, March had the highest density, while January had the lowest density. To determine the total snail size, the study further divided snail populations according to shell length. The density of the smallest size class (0-5 mm) peaked in February and March after disappearing in December and January. These results provide important new information on the conservation of E. vermiculata. Conclusions: The sustainability of this species' populations within their native habitats can be improved by understanding their population dynamics and dispersal tactics. Most of the results were consistent with previous studies, and we recommend that further studies be conducted to understand the impact of this species on ecosystems and habitats.

Effect of different concentrations of four inorganic salts (sodium hydroxide, potassium bromide, sodium nitrite, and copper sulfate) against the terrestrial snails, Monacha obstructa and Eobania vermiculata, was evaluated under laboratory and field conditions. Results commonly revealed that the tested materials exhibiting noticeable land snails impacts under laboratory and field conditions. In laboratory experiments, mortality percentages increased with the increase of concentration. Sodium nitrite was the most effective compound followed by copper sulphate, potassium bromide, sodium hydroxide for Monacha obstructa recording mortality percentages of 86.67, 80.00, 80.00 and 73.00%, respectively. The corresponding LC50 values were 8.69, 0.1548, 1.2966 and 4.7173% for the four inorganic salts, respectively. It was obvious that copper sulphate was the most effective followed by sodium nitrite sodium hydroxide, potassium bromide for Eobania vermiculata, where the mortality rate of infested snail reached 86.67, 80,80 and 60%, respectively at the highest concentrations of four salts. The corresponding LC50 values were 0.6901, 40.3541, 19.3519 and 12.037% for the four inorganic salts, respectively. It is interest to note that the used inorganic salts completely supressed egg production. Under field conditions, copper sulfate was more potent against Eobania vermiculata than sodium nitrite, but the reverse took place in case of Monacha obstructa.

Tissue collection methods for sampling of biological material often present various drawbacks related to ethical concerns as well as to the conservation status of many species. In this study, a conservative noninvasive sampling technique for genetic analyses was developed and optimized in three terrestrial gastropod species, namely, Cornu aspersum, Eobania vermiculata, and Helix lucorum. Our approach involves the sampling of a minimal amount of periosteum and pedal mucus, providing a viable alternative that does not harm the organisms, combining a few modifications in DNA isolation procedures depending on the sample. Mitochondrial CO1 and 18S rRNA genes were successfully amplified from both pedal mucus and periostracum samples, as confirmed by sequencing and BLAST comparisons in GenBank database. Interestingly, among the different sample types, shell from dead individuals demonstrated the highest DNA purity and quantity, likely due to the lack of DNA binding. This nondestructive method provides a promising advancement for conservation genetics, allowing for the study of protected species while maintaining their survival and well-being. The results demonstrate that this technique is an efficient and ethically sound tool for genetic studies, with potential applications in biodiversity monitoring and conservation research.

Multivariate analysis of trace metals and metalloids contents in edible land snails Cornu aspersum and Eobania vermiculata from Southern Italy

Assessment of molluscicidal activity of Syzygium aromaticum essential oil against Eobania vermiculata under laboratory and field conditions.

The laboratory experiment was conducted at Plant Protection Research Institute, Agricultural Research Center, Egypt, in March 2024 to study the efficacy of three plant extracts (Allium sativum, Croton tiglium, and Senecio cineraria) with three concentrations (20, 25, and 30 mg/ml) for each on the land snail, Eobania vermiculata (Müller) (Gastropoda: Helicidae). Results showed that C. tiglium had the highest mortality rate (21.48%), followed closely by A. sativum mortality rate (20.20%), while S. cineraria had the lowest mortality rate 18.24%. Mortality rates increased with higher concentrations of the extracts, with A. sativum achieving the highest mean mortality rate of 30.68% at 30 g/l. The study evaluated the lethal effects of various plant extracts on the land snail species; E. vermiculata over exposure durations from 1st to 7th days, focusing on lethal concentrations (LC50 and LC95). S. cineraria demonstrated the highest effectiveness (LC50: 34.95 mg/ml, LC95: 89.43 mg/ml), while C. tiglium and A. sativum exhibited moderate effectiveness (LC50: 32.28 mg/ml and 29.89 mg/ml, respectively). A positive correlation was observed between extract concentration and mortality rates. The phytochemical analysis of all three extracts revealed flavonoids and alkaloids, which indicate possible molluscicidal activities.

The effect of some mechanical and agricultural control methods has been evaluated against Eobania vermiculata (Müller) (Gastropoda: Helicidae), snail under field conditions. Outcomes revealed that hand collection of some points at mid-autumn to early wintry weather gave a reduction percentage of 60.43% in the long run in four weeks with a general mean of 73.99%. Therefore, the number of snails laying eggs decreased. Also, a ploughing process in February and March duration gave reduction percentages of 57.8% at the end of the four weeks, while at the same time general mean was 69.29%. As a result, the number of snails and hatchable eggs decreased while hand collection during mid-April and May and gave a reduction percentage of 23.27% in the long run of the four weeks whereas the general mean was 44.507%. The impact of some trap types for land snails such as wet Sacking, Plastic Sheets, and molasses+ wheat was used as snail-appealing material that will compare their suitability for attracting snails in traps. It's far apparent that the very best recorded numbers of snails have been sheltered under portions of wetted Sacking+ molasses + wheat which gave (108), Plastic sheets+ molasses + wheat (17) while recorded (40) and (10) for sacking and plastic sheets (Without any attractive), respectively after 72 hrs. of remedy so it can be recommended that ploughing, wetted Sacking best (Attractive ) and hand collection were the best processes for E. vermiculata snail population reduction in citrus orchards.

Background. Due to global climate changes, a number of land mollusc species, previously known only from southern Ukraine or only from Crimea, are increasingly being recorded in different parts of the country. Apparently, not only species of the Crimean origin but also some other molluscs, native or alien to the Crimean Peninsula, could have been introduced from Crimea in different time periods. Therefore, the main purpose of this study was to generalise and give a critical analysis of data on the present distribution in Ukraine outside Crimea for 8 such species, whose primary source of dispersal could be, at least partially, the Crimean Peninsula. Materials and Methods. We used the results of our own long-term (from 1994 to 2023) research of the land mollusc fauna in different parts of Ukraine, examined collections of other researchers and amateurs, numerous stock materials of the State Museum of Natural History in Lviv, analysed a number of literature sources from the beginning of the 20th century to the present day, as well as reports from two citizen science databases (iNaturalist and UkrBIN). Results and Discussion. We have sequentially analysed the available data about the present distribution and chronology of discovery in different administrative regions of Ukraine outside Crimea for Cecilioides raddei, Phenacolimax annularis, Oxychilus deilus, Xeropicta derbentina, X. krynickii, Monacha cartusiana, Eobania vermiculata, as well as Helix lucorum with the shell colouration characteristic of the mountainous Crimea. It has been established that one or more species have now been reliably recorded in all parts and almost all administrative regions of Ukraine, with the exception of Sumy and Kirovohrad ones. Conclusion. The conducted analysis confirms the potential influence of Crimea on the formation of the present species composition of alien land molluscs not only in the south, but also in other parts of Ukraine. Most of the analyzed species are so far known only from those administrative regions that border the Black and Azov Seas. Two species, X. derbentina and M. cartusiana, are now rather widespread in Ukraine, but most of their known records were made no earlier than 1990s. The data systematized in this study can become the basis for monitoring the further spread of the species under study into different parts of Ukraine, which may become especially relevant in the post-war period.

The rat lungworm, Angiostrongylus cantonensis, has recently been found in the city of Valencia, parasitizing rats, Rattus norvegicus and Rattus rattus, its natural definitive hosts. This is the first finding of this zoonotic nematode in continental Europe. After informing local and national health authorities, the collection of local terrestrial snails took place with the aim of elucidating their potential role as intermediate hosts of A. cantonensis. A total of 145 terrestrial snails, belonging to the species Cernuella virgata, Cornu aspersum, Eobania vermiculata, Otala punctata, Pseudotachea splendida, Rumina decollata and Theba pisana, were randomly collected between May and December 2022 in public gardens, parks and orchards in six districts of Valencia, in five of which A. cantonensis had been reported previously in rats. Once collected and identified, the snails were frozen at -20°C. Subsequently, the DNA was isolated and screened by PCR using specific primers targeting the A. cantonensis COI gene. Seven individual snails, belonging to the species C. virgata, C. aspersum and T. pisana, were positive, for an overall prevalence of 4.8%. The PCR product from one of them was sequenced by Sanger sequencing. The three positive terrestrial snail species are among the edible species that are frequently included in various dishes in Spain. C. virgata is reported as a previously unrecorded intermediate host and should be added to the list of more than 200 species of terrestrial snails that have been reported worldwide as intermediate hosts of the rat lungworm. Considering that these terrestrial snails may release infective larvae of A. cantonensis on leafy green vegetables on which they feed and during their handling and preparation for consumption, prophylactic measures to prevent human neuroangiostrongyliasis in Valencia and other regions to which this zoonotic parasite may spread are recommended.

Repurposing the drug, amprolium as a novel molluscicide against the land snail (Eobania vermiculata)

In recent years, guava cultivation has gained great commercial prominence due to the increasing international demand for its fresh and processed products. The guava trees are subject to affect by many pests, one of which is land snails. The land snail, Eobania vermiculata, is one of the most serious pests in Egypt's agricultural fields and recently reclaimed areas, causing significant damage to plants. Chemical control is considered the best defense against land snails. Therefore, in the present study, the efficiency of two chemical compounds; Agrinate ® (methomyl) and Gastrotox ® (metaldehyde) as well as a biocide Biogard ® (Bt), at a recommended field rates for controlling the land snail E. vermiculata was tested under field conditions in guava orchard at Alexandria Governorate. The obtained results revealed that all tested compounds exerted significant reduction in the number of living snails on guava trees one day after treatment and until the end of the experiment compared to untreated tress. According to reduction percentages, the three tested compounds were found to be toxic to E. vermiculata with various degrees; 79.39, 69.12 and 86.57% for methomyl, Bt and metaldehyde after 21 days of experiment, respectively. Also the average initial kill (%) were 28.67, 16.39 and 41.66 and average residual effect (%) were 67.98, 59.55 and 78.81 for methomyl, Bt and metaldehyde, respectively. In the comparison among the tested compounds, metaldehyde ranked first and showed the highest effectiveness against E. vermiculata infecting Egyptian guava, followed by methomyl and Bt.

Aluminum (Al) is used in everyday life and present in food drugs, packaging, industry, and agriculture. Although it is the most common metal in the Earth crust, a correlation has been demonstrated between its presence and various pathologies, even serious ones, especially of a neurological type. However, there is a histological gap regarding the role Al can have in contact with the covering and secreting epithelia. The alterations of the ventral and dorsal foot mucocytes and their secretions of the snail Eobania vermiculata caused by Al were investigated in situ by histochemical and lectin-histochemical techniques. Administration to different experimental groups took place for 3 and 9 days with 50 and 200 μM of AlCl3. Several types of mucocytes were detected with a prevalent secretion of acid glycans in the foot of E. vermiculata. Sulfated glycans prevail in the dorsal region, with one type showing only fucosylated residues and another also having galactosaminylated and glycosaminylated residues. Carboxylated glycans prevail in the ventral region, with presence of galactosaminylated, glycosaminylated, and fucosylated residuals in both cells. Snails treated presented a general decrease of mucin amount in the secreting cells and affected the mucus composition. These changes could alter the rheological and functional properties of the mucus with possible implications for the health of the treated animals. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: Snails were fed with Al-contaminated lettuce at different concentrations. In the foot mucocytes produced mucus with prevailing acidic glycans. In the treated resulted a reduction in the amount of mucus and an alteration of glycan composition.

Some exogenous compounds found in nature can control the agricultural pests which cause serious damages to the different crops. Specifically, this study established to assess the molluscicidal effects of crude juice of Citrus limon fruit and Citrus limon peel on the developmental stages of Eobania vermiculata (chocolate band snail) and Monacha cartusiana (glassy clover snail). These juices were used individually against the three, six and nine-month-old and adult of both snails in the laboratory and also applied against adult individuals of each snail species in the field for 21 days. Results showed that the juveniles three months old were more susceptible to C. limon fruit and C. limon peel juices than the other ages of both snails. Moreover, C. limon fruit juice was more effective on the two snail species at all ages than the juice of C. limon peel. The crude suspension of C. limon fruit and C. limon peel caused 73.33& 46.66% and 60 & 46.66% mortality of adult snails of E. vermiculata and M. cartusiana respectively after 14 days of the laboratory experiment. While in the field assay, they were recorded 70.39 & 62.30% and 62.08 & 55.79% reduction of both snail adult individuals consecutively after the same period of application (14 days). Therefore, E. vermiculata snails were more affected by the two suspensions than the snails of M. cartusiana under both laboratory and field conditions. C. limon is a promising potential organic substitute to chemical molluscicide with no harmful impacts on humans and the environment.

Land snails are a destructive agricultural pest in economic crops, but the populations for that pest are highly influenced by temperature and humidity, therefore climatic changes affected their behavior, distribution and population dynamics, for these reasons researchers should follow up on the changes in their behavior, distribution, and population dynamics. In this study, a survey study was conducted to define land snail species existing at Sharkia Governorate, Egypt, from January 2019 to March 2022 in horticultural, vegetable, and field crops and study the population dynamics for the dominant land snail species. Results showed that there are six species of land snails, these species were, Monacha cartusiana, Succinea putris, Eobania vermiculata, Theba pisana, Helicella vestalis, and Cochlicella acuta. The population dynamics of two prevalent land snail species (M. cartusiana and S. putris), were conducted during two successive growing seasons, the Egyptian clover harbored the highest number of M. cartusiana followed by wheat, while the onion was the lowest one during the study period. In the same trends, the land snail S. putris recorded the highest numbers during the growing season of the Egyptian clover crop. Finally, it is concluded that the land snail M. cartusiana considered the first grade of infestation existed everywhere at Sharkia Governorate, and the population density of the land snail is increase gradually after winter till reach the maximum density in spring.

Molluscicidal activity of calcium borate nanoparticles with kodom ball-flower structure on hematological, histological and biochemical parameters of Eobania vermiculata snails

http://eajbsf.journals.ekb.eg/ Fungi as Control Bioagents Against the Terrestrial Snail, Eobania vermiculata