Pomacea Maculata Research Articles

Taiwan’s mysterious mollusks: a deep dive into the cryptic hybridization of Pomacea canaliculata and Pomacea maculata

Taiwan’s mysterious mollusks: a deep dive into the cryptic hybridization of Pomacea canaliculata and Pomacea maculata

CROSSTALK OF CONSERVATION OF SEQUENCES OF miRNAs AND ENZYMATIC MACHINERY OF miRNAs PRODUCTION IN AMPULLARIIDAE

BACKGROUND: The Ampullariidae family of molluscs is an emerging model for evolutionary studies due to its high diversity, ancient history and wide geographic distribution. miRNAs are essential for the development of the organism, as they help and act in the control of gene expression. The analysis of miRNAs in molluscs, especially in the family Ampullariidae, is especially important due to the low representativeness of analyzed species and the possibility of analyzing the conservation of miRNAs among ampullariids species. OBJECTIVE: Identification and characterization of miRNAs (precursors and matures) and their processing pathway genes. METHODS: Computational prediction and characterization of miRNAs and genes involved in the miRNA pathway were performed using public database of Lanistes nyassanus, Marisa cornuarietis, Pomacea canaliculata and Pomacea maculata. The in silico analysis was performed using a robust algorithm to identify and characterize miRNAs and their precursors in genome of ampullariids species. To search for the putative proteins involved in the miRNA biogenesis the putative proteomes from 4 Ampullariids species and Blastp tool were used. Characterization of conserved protein domains was performed using the PFAM and CDD. Phylogenetic analyzes were performed for the ampullariids miRNA precursors and their orthologs and also for the putative ampullariids proteins involved in the miRNA pathway and their orthologs using MEGA program. FINDINGS: 141 pre-miRNAs and 162 mature miRNAs were identified in the genome of L. nyassanus, 279 pre-miRNAs and 297 mature miRNAs in the genome of M. cornuarietis, 269 pre-miRNAs and 296 mature miRNAs in the genome of P. canaliculata and 299 pre-miRNAs and 316 mature miRNAs in the genome of P. maculata. We identified and characterized 24 putative key proteins involved in the miRNA pathway including Argonaute, DICER, DROSHA and EXPORTIN protein families in the predicted proteome of the 4 ampullariids. The data obtained in this work will support studies of phylogeny, population divergence, speciation and patterns of diversity in the Ampullariidae Family. MAIN CONCLUSIONS: The searching for novel miRNAs and their processing pathway genes in 4 species of ampullariids was able to predict new structures expanding the study of miRNAs in molluscs and in Ampullariidae family, as well as open an avenue to study the roles of miRNAs in the organisms.

Population genetic structure of Pomacea canaliculata in China based on the COI and ITS1 genes.

Comprehending the phylogeography of invasive organisms enhances our insight into their distribution dynamics, which is instrumental for the development of effective prevention and management strategies. In China, Pomacea canaliculata and Pomacea maculata are the two most widespread and damaging species of the non-native Pomacea spp.. Given this species' rapid spread throughout country, it is urgent to investigate the genetic diversity and structure of its different geographic populations, a task undertaken in the current study using the COI and ITS1 mitochondrial and ribosomal DNA genes, respectively. The result of this study, based on a nationwide systematic survey, a collection of Pomacea spp., and the identification of cryptic species, showed that there is a degree of genetic diversity and differentiation in P. canaliculata, and that all of its variations are mainly due to differences between individuals within different geographical populations. Indeed, this species contains multiple haplotypes, but none of them form a systematic geographical population structure. Furthermore, the COI gene exhibits higher genetic diversity than the ITS1 gene. Our study further clarifies the invasive pathways and dispersal patterns of P. canaliculata in China to provide a theoretical basis.

Massive decline of invasive apple snail populations after blue crab invasion in the Ebro River, Spain

The negative interaction between multiple invasive species, when an invasive predator benefits from a previously introduced and abundant prey, poses unanticipated challenges for the joint management of invaders. To illustrate this question, we describe the surge and collapse of the invasive apple snail Pomacea maculata population before and after the arrival of the invasive blue crab, Callinectes sapidus, in the Ebro River (NE Spain). These two invaders have coincided for the first time beyond their respective native and prior invasive ranges, and thus lack any previous shared eco-evolutionary history facilitating coexistence. We leverage data from a 9-year apple snail removal programme (2014–2022) conducted by authorities to evaluate the effectiveness of the management programme and describe the apple snail temporal dynamics in the Ebro River. Since its arrival in 2013, the apple snail population increased exponentially along the river and adjacent rice-fields despite labour-intensive eradication efforts. Unexpectedly, riverine populations of the apple snail declined by 90% in 2018 relative to the prior year without apparent association with previous management efforts. Simultaneously, the blue crab was first recorded in the Ebro River in 2018, and its distribution rapidly overlapped the whole area invaded by apple snails. We suggest that over-predation by the blue crab is the main cause of the decline observed in the apple snail, and discuss the implications of this new invader-invader interaction for management. This study underscores the unforeseen consequences of subsequent waves of invasion, and the importance of supporting management with a deeper understanding of ecological interactions among invasive predator and prey species.

Acidic Apple Snails: Effects of Climate Change on the Mechanical Properties of an Invasive Gastropod.

Climate change can directly and indirectly affect species distribution. Warming may allow for invasive species, such as apple snails, to migrate to higher latitudes where temperatures are more conducive to their survival and invasion success. Higher temperatures and lower pH ranges have been previously documented to affect the form and function of calcium carbonate shells, which serve many functions, including protection from predators and thermoregulation. This study aimed to quantify differences in the morphology and mechanical properties of invasive apple snail, Pomacea maculata, shells after altering temperature and pH. We mechanically tested shells among three five-week treatments: control, higher temperature, and lower pH. Ultimate Strength increased in shells that were exposed to higher temperatures, but Young's Modulus and Peak Load did not differ among control, temperature, and pH treatments. Apple snails in higher temperature tanks increased their shell length over the five-week trials. Although snail morphometrics did not differ between sexes, male shells exhibited a higher Peak Load, Young's Modulus, and Ultimate Strength compared to female shells. Our findings are consistent with previous gastropod studies, in that a lower pH is associated with a decrease in shell size, and higher temperatures yield larger snail shells with a higher ultimate strength. Peak Load did not significantly differ among treatments, which suggests that the cross-sectional area is relatively important when considering this species mechanical performance today and in future climates. Due to the intense nutritional and calcium demands of egg production, female snails may be more susceptible to weakened shells due to low pH environments caused by climate change.

Diversity of Freshwater Mollusks from Lake Pampulha, Municipality of Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil

The artificially created Lake Pampulha, within the metropolitan area of Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais State, lacks detailed information about its freshwater mollusks, representing a challenge for the assessment and conservation of this ecosystem. In this study, conducted during June and August 2021, we collected specimens on four different occasions and at five sampling points around the lake, using different sampling equipment, such as a shovel and a scoop. During these collections, we identified, enumerated and measured 1538 species of mollusks and additionally examined the presence of trematode larvae. We identified twelve species of fresh water bivalves and gastropods: Biomphalaria straminea, Biomphalaria kuhniana, Biomphalaria occidentalis, Drepanotrema cimex, Pomacea maculata, Stenophysa marmorata, Physa acuta, Gundlachia ticaga, Melanoides tuberculata, Pseudosuccinea columella, Omalonyx matheroni and Corbicula largillierti. Echinostome and strigeocercaria types of larval trematodes were detected in B. straminea. Notably, some species of mollusks have not previously been recorded at Lake Pampulha. The analyses revealed differences in the composition and abundance of species, highlighting the higher number of mollusk species in areas more impacted by human actions. This study expands our understanding of mollusk diversity at Lake Pampulha, and provides valuable data for longitudinal comparisons of water quality and considerations of the conservation of native species. Furthermore, it highlights the importance of choosing appropriate sampling equipment, depending on the research objectives. The presence of invasive species of medical and veterinary relevance as intermediate hosts of parasites reinforces the need for efficient environmental protection strategies to preserve this artificial, aquatic environment widely used by the local population and by tourists.

Population genetic structure of invasive apple snails Pomacea maculata in Louisiana

Population genetic structure of invasive apple snails Pomacea maculata in Louisiana

Public parks in the city of Rio de Janeiro, southeast Brazil, and the risk of parasitosis transmission by freshwater gastropods.

Urban parks are not only important for the wellbeing of the human population, but are also widely considered to be potentially important sites for the conservation of biodiversity. However, they may offer risk parasitic infections, such as schistosomiasis and fascioliasis, which are both transmitted by freshwater snails. The present study investigated the occurrence of freshwater gastropods in urban parks of the Brazilian city of Rio de Janeiro, and their possible infection by helminths of medical-veterinary importance. Gastropods were collected from six parks (2021 - 2022) and examined for the presence of larval helminths. In all, 12 gastropod species from different families were collected: Ampullariidae, Assimineidae, Burnupidae, Lymnaeidae, Physidae, Planorbidae, Succineidae, and Thiaridae. The parasitological examination revealed cercaria of three types in five snail species, with the Pleurolophocerca cercariae type in Melanoides tuberculata (the most abundant species), Echinostoma cercariae in Physella acuta and Pomacea maculata, and Virgulate cercariae, in Pomacea sp. and Pomacea maculata. None of the Biomphalaria tenagophila and Pseudosuccinea columella (the most frequent species) specimens were parasitized by Schistosoma mansoni or Fasciola hepatica, respectively. Even so, some parks may represent a considerable potential risk for transmission of both Schistosoma mansoni and Fasciola hepatica, given the presence of these gastropod vectors and the frequent contact of visitors with the waterbodies.

Gastrópodes potenciais hospedeiros intermediários de parasitos na região do Parque Nacional dos Lençóis Maranhenses/Brasil, um destino turístico internacional

Abstract Several aquatic ecosystems present favorable conditions for the establishment of freshwater gastropod populations in Maranhão (Brazil). However, research on these snails in this Brazilian state is more focused on Baixada Maranhense, an endemic area for schistosomiasis in Maranhão. Considering the need to expand information on the occurrence of limnic gastropods in Maranhão, a qualitative study was carried out in the Microregion of Lençóis Maranhenses. The capture of freshwater snails was carried out between June 2016 and November 2019. Were obtained 3,244 specimens of freshwater gastropods: 2,372 specimens of Biomphalaria straminea (Dunker, 1848); 17 specimens of Biomphalaria schrammi (Crosse, 1864); 19 specimens of Drepanotrema lucidum (Pfeiffer, 1939); 115 specimens of (Hydrobiidae; Rissooidea); 24 specimens of Physa marmorata Guilding, 1828; 73 specimens of Pomacea maculata (Perry, 1810); 613 specimens of Pomacea sp. (Perry, 1810). Were also found 11 shells of Biomphalaria glabrata (Say, 1818). The greatest richness of snails was observed in Tutóia. The most abundant species during the study was B. straminea (73,45%). Pomacea sp. was the most representative species with constant frequency (57,15%) in the Lençóis Maranhenses Microregion, present in lentic and lotic ecosystems. The forecast maps indicate the possibility of occurrence and establishment of freshwater gastropods species throughout the investigated region. The presence of gastropods that are hosts of parasites represents a risk to human health, especially in the Lençóis Maranhenses area, which is one of Brazil's tourist destinations. Studies on the occurrence and distribution of limnic gastropods are of great relevance for understanding the conservation status of existing species. Furthermore, they are necessary to monitor snails that act as parasite hosts.

Wetland soil microbial responses to upland agricultural intensification and snail invasion

Wetland soils harbor diverse microorganisms including bacteria, archaea, and fungi, all of which play significant roles in maintaining soil health and ecosystem functions but are susceptible to influences from multiple environmental changes. Agricultural intensification and biological invasion are two fundamental drivers of environmental change for wetlands, but their interactive effects on soil microbial communities remain less well understood, particularly for seasonal subtropical wetlands. Yet such understanding is vital for wetland conservation and management. In this study, we conducted a 14-week field mesocosm experiment to investigate how agricultural intensification and invasive apple snail (Pomacea maculata) – an emerging and increasingly concerning threat to natural and agricultural systems in southeastern U.S. – altered wetland soil microbial communities and structures. We found that invasive P. maculata showed selective effects on relative abundance of specific microbial taxa (e.g., Proteobacteria, Nitrospirota), and interactive effects with upland intensification on Spirochaetota and Mortierellomycota. Upland agricultural intensification also exerted significant and consistent effects on microbial composition and diversity across microbial domains. Changes in microbial composition were partly manifested through modifications in water chemistry, such as dissolved oxygen, which acted as environmental regulators. In addition, upland intensification led to more complex but sparsely connected microbial networks, while invasive snail presence decreased network complexity and resulted in greater modularity, less edge density, and longer path length, indicative of lower molecular information exchange efficiency. Our research emphasizes the need for a comprehensive evaluation of microbial responses (i.e., composition, diversity, and co-occurrence patterns) to better understand multi-stressor impacts from human activities on wetland belowground microbial communities. By holistically characterizing microbial responses, our findings show how global change drivers may impact wetland microorganisms in subtropical biomes and infer their functional consequences. Our results have important implications for sustainable landscape management and conservation of wetlands that are experiencing escalating human-induced environmental changes.

Mutual living with Pomacea maculata and catfish and their benefits for feeding

Pomacea snails have been interested around the world due to their rich biological contents. In this study, we assessed the living condition and feeding strategies of catfish (Loricariidae) with Pomacea maculata. We used thirty catfish and ten P.maculata in three replicates for four months. There were two groups as: Control and P. maculata (catfish and P.maculata together). The body weights and lengths of catfish were measured monthly. Also feeding behavior of catfish was recorded during the trial. There were significant increases determined in last weight, total weight gain, last body length, and total body length gain in the Pomacea group compared to Control. It was observed that catfish in the Pomacea group ate the food which was lumped on the mucous of P.maculata. These results suggested that due to this feeding behavior of catfish, they had good progress. It can be concluded that P.maculata can be beneficial for ornamental fisheries.

Comparison of development and overwintering rates and feeding efficiency on rice seedlings among two invasive freshwater apple snails and their hybrid

Since the 1980s, the freshwater apple snails, Pomacea canaliculata, Pomacea maculata, and their hybrid, have been introduced into a wide range of freshwater ecosystems in tropical to temperate regions. Although P. canaliculata has become established in temperate East Asia, P. maculata and the hybrid are rarely found in this region. To evaluate the risk of P. maculata and the hybrid particularly as rice pests in temperate regions, we compared growth rate, winter survival rate, and feeding efficiency on rice seedlings of these snails with P. canaliculata. When P. maculata and P. canaliculata hatchlings were reared under laboratory or field conditions, the adult P. maculata had larger shells than adult P. canaliculata. Neither P. maculata nor F1 hybrids could survive winter in a simulated drained paddy field, and only a few individuals of P. maculata and F1 hybrids overwintered successfully in freshwater. Pomacea maculata juveniles fed on rice seedlings at the highest rate at temperatures above 27°C. These results suggest that P. maculata becomes a serious rice pest in temperate region as P. canaliculata once it is introduced from warmer regions under global warming. Further biological examination of P. maculata is needed to evaluate the risk of this snail in detail.

Niche conservatism and geographical range expansion of Pomacea canaliculata and Pomacea maculata in non-native United States and China

Niche conservatism and geographical range expansion of Pomacea canaliculata and Pomacea maculata in non-native United States and China

A Bibliometric Analysis of Research on Apple Snails (Ampullariidae)

Apple snails (ASs), the freshwater snails of the family Ampullariidae, are widely spread in tropical and subtropical regions. Owing to their strong invasiveness and harmful effects on agricultural production and ecosystems, they have attracted considerable attention. However, less research has been conducted on the whole picture of the current research status and development trends in the ASs field. For this purpose, we conducted a bibliometric analysis based on a total of 1028 publications regarding ASs published between 1900 and 2021 using VOSviewer 1.6.18 and CiteSpace 6.1.R3 software. The results suggest that ASs research has received increasing attention in recent years. The most productive country has been the USA, while the institution with the most publications was Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas Conicet. “Zoology” was the category of the most popular subject, Journal of Molluscan Studies was the primary journal, and P.R. Martin was the most outstanding author in ASs field. Invasive alien species, alarm response, copper (Cu) exposure, taxonomy and phylogenetic analysis, Angiostrongylus cantonensis (parasite), control (including molluscicidal activity), growth and reproduction, and feeding preferences were the main research hotspots. Further, “Pomacea maculata”, “Evolution”, “Biology”, “Digestive gland”, “Phylogeny”, “Identification”, “Pomacea canaliculata caenogastropoda”, “Diversity”, and “Nonnative apple snail” have been emerging active topics in recent years. These findings can help researchers in this area to better understand the direction and advances of ASs research and are valuable for future research and agricultural practice of apple snail control.

Invasive or Biomonitoring Species? Use of Pomacea maculata Operculum as a Tool to Determine Metal Pollutants: a Micro-PIXE Investigation

Invasive or Biomonitoring Species? Use of Pomacea maculata Operculum as a Tool to Determine Metal Pollutants: a Micro-PIXE Investigation

Life history responses of two co-occurring congeneric Apple Snails (Pomacea maculata and P. paludosa) to variation in water depth and metaphyton total phosphorus

Life history responses of two co-occurring congeneric Apple Snails (Pomacea maculata and P. paludosa) to variation in water depth and metaphyton total phosphorus

Heavy Metal Exposures on Freshwater Snail Pomacea insularum: Understanding Its Biomonitoring Potentials

The present investigation focused on the toxicity test of cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn), utilizing two groups of juvenile and adult apple snail Pomacea insularum (Gastropod, Thiaridae) with mortality as the endpoint. For the adult snails, the median lethal concentrations (LC50) values based on 48 and 72 h decreased in the following order: Cu < Ni < Pb < Cd < Zn. For the juvenile snails, the LC50 values based on 48 and 72 h decreased in the following order: Cu < Cd < Ni < Pb < Zn. The mussel was more susceptible to Cu than the other four metal exposures, although the juveniles were more sensitive than the adults because the former had lower LC50 values than the latter. This study provided essential baseline information for the five metal toxicities using P. insularum as a test organism, allowing comparisons of the acute sensitivity in this species to the five metals. In conclusion, the present study demonstrated that P. insularum was a sensitive biomonitor and model organism to assess heavy metal risk factors for severe heavy metal toxicities. A comparison of the LC50 values of these metals for this species with those for other freshwater gastropods revealed that P. insularum was equally sensitive to metals. Therefore, P. insularum can be recommended as a good biomonitor for the five metals in freshwater ecosystems.

Phylogenetic Systematics and Distribution of Pomacea sordida (Swainson, 1823) and Pomacea intermedia (Férussac in Quoy & Gaimard, 1825) (Caenogastropoda: Ampullariidae)

In contrast to their relative ecological and economic importance, many species of Ampullariidae remain poorly studied, and lack robust data needed to clearly circumscribe the species or understand their biogeographic distributions. A few, e.g., Pomacea maculata Perry, 1810 and P. canaliculata (Lamarck, 1822), have been well studied, in part because of their notorious reputations as invasive pests. Unfortunately, beyond broad phylogenetic studies, we know little about the relationships and distributions of the dozen or so other species with which these two well-known ampullariids have and continue to be confused. The ability to delimit such species not only has implications for invasion biology, but also for conservation of native species. The ampullariid Pomacea sordida (Swainson, 1823) is endemic to the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Recent molecular analyses revealed that several populations previously referred to as P. sordida, belong to another genetically distinct species, Pomacea intermedia (Férussac in Quoy & Gaimard, 1825), currently regarded as a junior synonym of P. sordida. To evaluate the validity of this previous study, we examined all of the material identified as P. sordida from the collection of the Institute Oswaldo Cruz and carried out additional surveys across the known distribution of these species. Phylogenetic analyses of COI sequences from 96 snails sequenced for this study, along with additional sequences from GenBank, recovered P. sordida and P. intermedia as sister taxa in a clade sister to P. flagellata (Say, 1829) and P. patula (Reeve, 1856). Surveys of aquatic habitats in the state of Rio de Janeiro recovered both species in allopatric populations with P. sordida primarily restricted to seven sites in the southwestern part of the state, whereas P. intermedia occurred in six sites in the central part of the state, northeast of P. sordida populations. Although cursory examination of male reproductive anatomy of these two species does not provide taxonomically informative characters that allow delineation of these two species, other traits e.g., juvenile shell characters, egg morphology, and kidney shape and arrangement, appear to be informative and provided necessary data to rescue P. intermedia from synonymy with P. sordida.

Assessment of benthic macroinvertebrates as potential bioindicators of anthropogenic disturbance in southeast Bangladesh coast.

Many human activities can greatly influence and alter the health of aquatic ecosystems. In this regard, the quantitative analysis of macroinvertebrates and their relationships with ecological variables is an effective method in environmental monitoring programs. Here, we used the benthic macroinvertebrate community as bioindicators for assessing anthropogenic impacts on coastal waters in southeast Bangladesh. Sediment samples were collected seasonally from three different sites influenced either by mangrove forests, aquaculture activity or sewage input. The indicator value index (IndVal) analysis revealed 23 species of benthic macroinvertebrates as potential bioindicators namely Enigmonia aenigmatica, Mactra chinensis and Pharella javanica of the class Bivalvia; Tubifex tubifex of the class Clitellata; Lithopoma brevispina, Bullia vittata, Pomacea maculata and Umbonium vestiarium of the class Gastropoda; Gammarus roeselii of the class Malacostraca; and Amphicteis gunneri, Amphitrite ornata, Aricidea simplex, Cirratulus cirratus, Heterospio catalinensis, Hypereteone foliosa, Lopadorrhynchus henseni, Neanthes chingrighattensis, Micronephthys oligobranchia, Nephtys hombergii, Nereis jacksoni, Nereis zonata, Polyodontes maxillosus and Stygocapitella subterranean of the class Polychaeta. Their composition across three sites varied significantly (P<0.05) due to influence of environmental conditions as inferred from redundancy analysis. Polychaeta, Gastropoda and Malacostraca were susceptible to sewage input, while Bivalvia and Clitellata were susceptible to aquaculture effluent. The results of this baseline study suggest that the identified benthic macroinvertebrate species can potentially be used to monitor anthropogenic disturbances in the marine environment.

Regional expansion and chemical control for invasive apple snails (Pomacea maculata) in Louisiana rice and crawfish production systems

Invasive apple snails, Pomacea maculata, have recently emerged as pests in the rice (Oryza sativa L.) and crawfish (Procambarus clarkii) production systems of southwest Louisiana. Their current distribution, expansion rates, and susceptibility to chemical control methods in these systems are not well known. This study examines the expansion of P. maculata in southwest Louisiana and evaluates chemical control via toxicity assays. The effects of chemical control were also assessed on the non-target species, Pr. clarkii. Westward expansion of P. maculata was recorded at ≈2 km per year and a northward expansion at a rate of ≈4 km per year with most new detections recorded south of established populations. P. maculata had a lower probability of being found in aquatic habitats with decreasing levels of dissolved oxygen. All concentrations of both liquid and crystal copper sulfate caused appreciable P. maculata mortality after 72 h, but control was inconsistent across treatments. Treatment with copper sulfate had no significant effect on Pr. clarkii mortality. Treatment of P. maculata egg masses with 5% and 10% crop oil solutions reduced the number of hatchlings by approximately 80% relative to non-treated controls. Future studies should attempt to find new factors associated with P. maculata occurrence in southwest Louisiana. More research should be conducted on the levels of copper sulfate that are ingested by P. maculata after initial exposure as well as new methods for crop oil applications on P. maculata egg masses.