Rumina Decollata Research Articles

Reproductive features of Rumina decollata (Pulmonata: Achatinidae) from Adana, Turkey

ABSTRACT This study provides data on Rumina decollata (Linnaeus, 1758), focusing on reproductive parameters, and developmental features of eggs and offspring. Following collection from citrus orchards in Adana, Turkey, the snails were reared in the laboratory and observations were made on the reproductive features. Two distinct, transparent, and breathable containers were employed to house the snails. Each container was filled with approximately 15 cm of soil originating from the snails’ natural habitats. The egg-laying periods occurred from late April to early May, with an average number of 14 ± 6 eggs produced per egg-laying event. The eggs had an incubation period of 44 ± 5 days and young snails hatched with a rapid growth rate. Adult size was achieved within nine to ten weeks, followed by an estivation period for six to seven weeks. This study provides insights into the morphology, reproduction, and development of R. decollata, enhancing our understanding of the species’ life cycle and reproductive conditions.

Local terrestrial snails as natural intermediate hosts of the zoonotic parasite Angiostrongylus cantonensis in the new European endemic area of Valencia, Spain.

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.

Land-Based Malacological Diversity of Some Aromatic and Medicinal Plants in The Jbel Zerhoun Region (Morocco)

The Jbel Zerhoun region is a geographical entity whose features create a wholly unique natural environment full of aromatic and therapeutic plants. In this work, we represent the study of malacological diversity on five lamiaceae abundant in the region, which are horehound, thyme, sage, lavender and spearmint. The results of the study showed a malacological richness of 13 species on spearmint, 12 species on thyme, 11 species on sage, 10 species on lavender with only 3 species on horehound. The different species belong to four families, which are Parmacellidae, Milacidae, Sphincterochilidae, Helcidae and Subulinidae. The Helicidae family is the most abundant with 10 species ; the Otala genus is the most represented on the different plants with the exception of horehound. The Parmacellidae family represented by the Parmacella deshayesi species is present only on spearmint, the Milicidae represented by Milax gagates is present on four plants, and absent on thyme, the species albea candidissima of the family Sphincterochilidae is present on four lamiaceae, absent on horehound. Rumina decollata is the only species of the Subulinidae family, which is present on all the plants studied with Theba pissana of the Helicidae family. The vertical distribution of the different species is presented at the end of the study.

Potential intermediate hosts of Angiostrongylus cantonensis in the European Mediterranean region (Mallorca, Spain)

Angiostrongylus cantonensis is the main etiological agent of eosinophilic meningitis, a disease that often leads to severe neurological manifestations in mammals and birds. In recent years, the prevalence of this zoonotic nematode has dramatically increased as it expands into new territories beyond its native range in Southeast Asia and the Pacific Basin.Its arrival to Europe, the last continent to be invaded, has raised many questions concerning the parasite's life cycle, particularly in the Mediterranean region, where it is now endemic. This study aims to collect evidence about intermediate hosts (snail and slug species) involved in the transmission of the A. cantonensis in Mallorca. We have conducted a systematic surveillance of gastropods within 2 km radius areas, surrounding the specific locations where infected hedgehogs were found. We employed a sequence-based detection approach that included a species-specific PCR amplification followed by DNA sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer I (ITS-1). This conservative approach was essential to avoid cross reactions with the numerous metastrongylid species known to be circulating in Mallorca. Overall, we collected and identified 398 gastropods belonging to 17 species, of which 11% tested positive for A. cantonensis. These gastropods were collected from touristic settlements to agricultural lands. Five gastropod species: Theba pisana, Cornu aspersum, Deroceras reticulatum, Milax gagates and Otala lactea, had been previously incriminated as A. cantonensis intermediate hosts, while 6 species: Papillifera papillaris, Cochlicella acuta, Eobania vermiculata, Ganula lanuginosa, Milax nigricans and Rumina decollata, are newly recorded hosts. The findings of this study have important epidemiological implications, and further measures are discussed to prevent neuroangiostrongylosis cases.

New record of exotic land snail Rumina decollate (Linnaeus, 1758) in Iraq

A new record of the species Rumina decollata in Iraq when studying the terrestrial snail community in Diyala Governorate, as it was recorded in 5 sites with different densities for the period from October 2021-May 2022.

Messages in the mucus: Selection of land snail resting sites based on the presence of mucus from conspecifics and other species

AbstractMucus is applied to substrates as snails move and when they rest. Beyond the use of mucus in movement and adhesion, the wide array of chemicals in mucus allows for supplemental use in communication. This communication is apparent in trail‐following behavior. This study addresses the potential communication via mucus in selecting resting sites in a laboratory assay. In a series of six experiments, individuals of Cornu aspersum (which often rest on above‐ground surfaces) were placed into lidded plastic containers with three or four sections swabbed with water (the control) or mucus, which included the test snail's own mucus, mucus from conspecifics from the same or a different container holding snails from the same lab colony, or from a different colony, and mucus from three additional snail species. The resting location was recorded on the following day. In two additional experiments, the facultative predator Rumina decollata was tested against conspecific and other snails' mucus. Individuals of C. aspersum preferentially rested in areas with the mucus of familiar conspecifics over mucus of unfamiliar conspecifics, a behavior that may contribute to homing and aggregation behaviors. There was evidence that juveniles may be less selective than adults. The mucus of only one of the three other species was avoided by individuals of C. aspersum. Unlike individuals of C. aspersum, individuals of the predator R. decollata avoided the mucus of conspecifics, which may be associated with less need for mate‐finding in this self‐fertilizing species. Individuals of R. decollata did not select among potential prey species.

Invasion Potential of Ornamental Terrestrial Gastropods in Europe Based on Climate Matching

Invasive species are one of the main causes of biodiversity loss worldwide. Pet trade is a well-known pathway for the introduction of non-native species. Prevention is the most effective, least time-consuming, and least financially demanding way to protect biodiversity against the spreading of invasive species. The main part of prevention is the early detection of a potentially high-risk species, as well as the successful implementation of prevention strategies in legislation and practice. This study summarizes the pre-introduction screening of pet-traded terrestrial gastropod species and their potential occurrence in the EU territory. Based on the list of species traded in the Czech Republic, one of the most important global hubs of the pet trade, 51 species (49 snails and 2 slugs) were analysed. Due to a lack of certain native occurrence data, only 29 species (28 snails and 1 slug) from 10 families were modelled using MaxEnt software. Twenty species from seven families have potential occurrence in the EU territory. Based on MaxEnt modelling, we considered the following species to be high-risk candidates for the EU: Anguispira alternata, A. strongylodes, Laevicaulis alte, Megalobulismus oblongus, Rumina decollata, and R. saharica. Based on this estimation, we present considerations with which to further improve the risk assessment and recommend continuous monitoring of the pet trade market.

From the Mediterranean to Yungas and Patagonia. Dispersal of the non-native gastropod Rumina decollata in Argentina

From the Mediterranean to Yungas and Patagonia. Dispersal of the non-native gastropod Rumina decollata in Argentina

Diversity of Malacofauna on Marrubium Vulgare L (Lamiaceae) and Juniperus Oxycedrus L(Cupressaceae) in the Mount of Tlemcen (Oranie, Algeria)

The region of Tlemcen is located in the North-West of Algeria, whose climatic impact is reflected in the degradation of the forest into matorral, an open formation made up of plant species such as: Cistaceae, Lamiaceae (horehound, stoeckade lavender) and the juniper. We propose to carry out an approach of the diversity of the malacofauna found on 2 plant species namely Marrubium vulgare (Lamiaceae) and Juniperus oxycedrus (Cupressaceae). The malacological richness is estimated at 9 for oxycedar juniper and 7 for horehound. It is divided into 3 families: Milacidae, Helicidae and Subulinidae. Two species of Milacidae are found on the oxycedar. The 3rd family comprises a single species, being Rumina decollata. Concerning the family of Helicidae, the most diversified has 2 sub-families: those of Helicinae and Helicellinae. The 1st sub-family has 6 species on oxycedar and 5 species on horehound. The 2nd subfamily includes only one species, namely Helicella terveri on horehound. The seasonal distribution according to the specific richness of Gastropods is shown. We are looking for the malacological species specific to each of the two plant species and the species that are common to them. Finally, the vertical distribution of gastropods is given.

The exotic snail Rumina decollata (Linnaeus, 1758) (Gastropoda, Achatinidae, Rumininae) in Argentina: new records, range extension, and areas of origin of Argentine populations

The decollate land snail Rumina decollata (Linnaeus, 1758), native to the Mediterranean region, has been introduced across several countries worldwide. We report here three new records for R. decollata in Argentina, two from Córdoba Province and the first one from Misiones Province, which also constitutes the northernmost record for the country, extending its northeastern distribution range. Species-specific identification was achieved based on anatomical, conchological, and molecular information. DNA data showed that different haplotypes are present in Argentina, which originated from distinct source areas along the native range.

Taxonomic diversity and structure of malacofauna in stations Lavandula angustifolia L. (Lamiaceae) in the garden‘s Park of Tlemcen (Northwest Algerian)

The Tlemcen region is located in northwest Algeria and is characterized by a semi-arid bioclimate. An approach to the diversity of the malacofauna associated with Lavandula angustifolia was carried out in three stations in the gardens of Tlemcen Park from February to June 2015. The specific richness of Gastropods is 7 divided between two families: that of Helicidae and that of Subulinidae. The first includes two sub-families including that of Helicinae and that of Helicellinae and the second is represented by a single species. Two species are constant (Euparypha pisana and Rumina decollata), four are accessory and only one species is accidental. The relative importance of snails fluctuates between stations and between months and seasons. In February, in the first station, the specific richness is the highest equal to 6. The malacological richness is zero in June in the three stations. The largest numbers are found in the first station. Euparypha pisana (Helicidae) has a frequency of 80% and an abundance of 0.46 in the second station. The majority of malacological species are collected from the surface of the soil.

Radiocarbon age offsets, ontogenetic effects, and potential old carbon contributions from soil organic matter for pre-bomb and modern detritivorous gastropods from central Texas, USA

Carbon isotopes of terrestrial gastropod yield insights on age and paleoenvironments for many depositional settings, but questions remain on the carbon source for gastropod carbonate and the climatic significance. This study documented for four terrestrial gastropod species ( Rabdotus dealbatus, A. alternata, V. indentata, and Rumina decollata) from central Texas 14 C age offsets between shell‑carbonate and corresponding atmosphere values that lived on carbonate- and kerogen-rich Cretaceous bedrock in the 20th and 21st centuries. Also, the ontogenetic variations in 14 C content were assessed to better understand carbon cycling between gastropods and the associated reservoirs. The carbon sources were partitioned based on 13 C isotopic values to evaluate the possible causes for age anomalies using initially a three-component model that includes contributions from atmosphere, vegetation, and limestone pools, with a new added fourth component, for soil organic carbon. The average ( n = 4) of the outer and inner shell samples yielded the respective 14 C ages of 550 ± 325 and 1520 ± 525 yr B.P. The apparent linearized 14 C distance-age anomaly for an individual gastropod whorl is 4–26 mm/yr calculate from shell 14 C ages on apex and aperture material. The smallest gastropod dated, a single V. indentata test (3.9 mg) yielded the oldest 14 C age of 2340 yr B.P. The four-component model for the oldest 14 C ages indicates that 50–85% of shell carbon may be from ingestion, with a smaller pool from respiration. Up to 30% of the organic carbon in gastropod shell may be derived from soil organic carbon. Terrestrial gastropods that yield anomalously old 14 C ages of >500 years may be detritivores and live in soils with sources of labile old carbon either inherited from the bedrock and/or the older pool of soil organic matter common in well-developed calcium-rich soils. • Modern and prebomb terrestrial gastropods from Texas gave 14 C ages 300–2400 yr old. • Gastropod shells show ontogenetic effect with older ages at apex by 100–1700 yr. • Identify new old carbon source for snails from kerogen-rich soil organic matter (SOM) • Develop new four component model (air, rock, SOM and plants) to explain old 14 C ages • Up to 30% of carbon in gastropod shell may be derived from SOM.

Terrestrial Snails and Slugs of Nevada, USA: An Overview of Taxa, Biogeography, and Habitat Affinities

The biogeography and habitat affinities of the Recent taxa of terrestrial mollusks of Nevada, western USA, are discussed herein. A total of 52 land snails and slug species were found in Nevada, of which 21 are newly reported records. Two native land snails found previously were not found by this author, and 6 additional species are possible for the state. Of the 47 species of land snail found in the state, 42 are considered native, while 5 are introduced. Only one slug, Deroceras laeve, is considered native, while 4 others are introduced. Land mollusks in eastern and central Nevada are derived from the Rocky Mountain Molluscan Province, such as Pupilla hebes, Microphysula ingersolli, and Oreohelix strigosa depressa (9 species, 18%), while southern Nevada supports species derived from the Southwestern Province, such as Gastrocopta spp., Striatura meridionalis, and Eremarionta rowelli (8 species, 16%). A Californian and Oregonian influence includes Pristiloma chersinella and Punctum californicum. Introduced land snails and slugs such as Deroceras reticulatum, Lehmannia valentiana, Cepaea nemoralis, and Rumina decollata are found in the gardens and parks of urban areas in Nevada. The present native land snail distributions in Nevada result from Miocene and Pliocene dispersal and establishment in the mountains of the Great Basin followed by Pleistocene and Holocene fragmentation and isolation. Xeric habitats such as sagebrush steppe, Pygmy conifer woodlands, and dry alkaline lake beds dominate much of the state and support very few or no land mollusks. Nine habitats are identified as being used by terrestrial mollusks in Nevada. Mountain woodlands, springs, and chaparral support 71% of the total fauna, which includes 36 land snail species and the slug Deroceras laeve where water, coniferous and deciduous vegetation, and moist litter are available between 1400 and 2800 m elevation. The more xeric Mojave Desert in the south (165–1100 m) and sagebrush steppe of the Great Basin (800–2000 m) support 3 and 4 species, respectively. The Pygmy coniferous woodlands occasionally support 2 species, except when the woodlands are associated with limestone cliffs and shrubs, where 5 species may be present (1600–2200 m). River valleys, perennial streams, and meadows (800–2000 m) make up only 1% of the state's land area but support 19 species of land mollusks. Subalpine and alpine habitats in the high mountains (2800–3400 m) support 13 species of land snails. Urban areas with greenhouses, parks, and casino gardens support 9 species of introduced land snails and slugs.

Terrestrial Biota as Bioindicators for Microplastics and Potentially Toxic Elements

Plastic products used in our daily life remain in the environment for a long time. Plastics decompose gradually into smaller fragments (<5 mm) known as microplastics. There are different sources of microplastics contamination, including plastic bags, masks, synthetic textiles, and various coatings. Microplastics’ smaller size enhances toxic pollutants’ adsorption, through which they are easily digested by small biota and finally accumulated along the food chain. Many studies are found concerning marine microplastic distribution and pollution; however, rarely do they address terrestrial contamination. The terrestrial species Eobania vermiculata, Rumina decollata, Porcellio, Armadillo, Lumbricus terrestris, and Scolopendra were evaluated as bioindicators for soil pollution by microplastics and some potentially toxic metallic elements. Microplastics were isolated with the help of caustic potash. The particles were characterized by infrared spectroscopy (FTIR); some associated potentially toxic metals were assessed in the filtrate by inductively coupled plasma spectrometry (ICP). The following polymers were present in all studied samples: copolyamide, nylon, high- and low-density polyethylene, polyamide, and polyester. In addition, the metallic elements antimony, iron, aluminum, selenium, and zinc were determined with different concentrations. Thus, terrestrial biota can serve as bioindicators for microplastic pollution of soil, which could act as a vector for potentially toxic elements.

The land malacofauna from Vesuvius National Park and neighbouring areas (Naples, Southern Italy): Preliminary results

The faunistic data on the recent land molluscs of Vesuvius National Park (Naples, Southern Italy) and neighbouring areas sampled during field surveys from 2005 to 2006 are reported here. The data were obtained through a careful research on museum collections and literature and were supplemented with observations from field surveys. Up to now, only 23 land snails species were known from the Vesuvius National Park through bibliographical data. The faunistic research, carried out in 25 stations of different environment typologies, allowed us to discriminate 31 species: 15 of these species are reported here for the first time for the study area. The presence of 16 species was confirmed by other field investigations. Other 19 taxa are reported in the literature, but not confirmed in our research - Helix turriculatella O. G. Costa, 1839 (obsolete nomenclature), Trochoidea trochoides Poiret, 1789, Hygromia cinctella (Draparnaud, 1801), Campylaea planospira (Lamarck, 1822), Vitrea sp. (cf. contracta (Westerlund, 1871)), Cecilioides acicula (O. F. Müller, 1774), Cochlicella acuta (O. F. Müller, 1774), Theba pisana O. F. Müller, 1774). Another 12 taxa are highly doubtful, because of possibilities for confusion with species living in other European or Italian regions, as well as previous misidentifications (Deroceras agreste (Linnaeus, 1758), Monacha gregaria (Rossmässler, 1839), Cochlicella barbara (Linnaeus, 1758), Monachoides incarnatus (O. F. Müller, 1774),Cernuella (Cernuella) cisalpina (Rossmässler, 1837), Cernuella aradasii (Pirajno, 1842), Oxychilus cellarius (O. F. Müller, 1774), O. alliarius (J. S. Miller, 1822), Zonitoides nitidus (O.F. Müller, 1774), Hyalina pseudohydatina, Ferussacia lubrica, Aegopinella nitens (Michaud, 1831); it was impossible in these cases to refer to their current specific name. Eobania vermiculata (O. F. Müller, 1774), Rumina decollata (Linnaeus, 1758), Papillifera papillaris (O. F. Müller, 1774) appear to be the most common species. Interesting are the records of Marmorana muralis (O.F. Müller, 1774), Helix cf. ligata (O.F. Müller, 1774) and Charpentiera gibbula gibbula (Rossmässler, 1836). Charpentieria gibbula honii (Tiberi, 1878) needs genetic investigations in order to confirm its taxonomic status. One allochthonous species (Paralaoma servilis (Shuttleworth, 1852)) was surveyed for the first time in the study area. A Red List of Threatened Species is proposed and the species are classified according to the IUCN criteria (Version 2019-2.1). The malacofauna of Vesuvius - Somma Mountain Complex is composed by 38 land mollusc species and represents 36.2% of the total species present in Campania (about 105 species, personal data) and 12.8% of the Italian fauna (about 530 species of land molluscs extrapolated from the list of Bank (2017). It is assumed that the poor biodiversity of the Vesuvian land malacofauna can be attributed essentially to the scarcity of calcareous substrates and the absence of permanent water sources.

Gastrópodes terrestres como pragas do cultivo de Fragaria x ananassa no sul do Brasil: identificação morfológica

ABSTRACT: Considering the damage caused by terrestrial gastropods in strawberry producing areas in southern Brazil, this study aimed to i) identify the species associated with Fragaria x ananassa in rural properties in municipalities of Paraná State, Brazil; ii) describe and illustrate the diagnostic morphological and conchology features of the mollusk species; iii) construct an illustrated key based on these morphological and conchology features; iv) analyze two species collected in March 2017 to investigate the possible occurrence of parasitic nematodes of medical importance. Taxonomic determination of the mollusks was performed through morphological analysis of samples, and parasitological analysis was carried out using artificial digestion. The following gastropod species were identified: Bradybaena similaris (Bradybaenidae), Rumina decollata (Subulinidae), Deroceras leave (Agriolimacidae), Limacus flavus (Limacidae), and Meghimatium pictum (Philomycidae). Rumina decollata, L. flavus,and M. pictum were recorded for the first time as damaging strawberries in Brazil. No larvae of medical or veterinary importance, associated with samples, were reported. The main diagnostic features are described and illustrated. Besides, the potential of the gastropods as crop pests and vectors of nematodes associated with zoonotic diseases are discussed. Results can facilitate identification of gastropod species in strawberry crops and provide background information for future studies on bioecology and pest control.

First Report of the Non-Native Snail Rumina decollata (Linnaeus, 1758) (Subulinidae: Gastropoda) in Córdoba (Argentina): Implications for Biodiversity and Human Health

Rumina decollata (Linnaeus 1758) is native to the Mediterranean region of Europe and north Africa. The first report in Argentina was in 1988 in Buenos Aires. In 2007, it was found in La Pampa and Mendoza. Here, we report its presence in Cordoba, extending its distributional range northwards more than 600 km. This finding is significant given that Rumina decollata is a facilitative predator and can deleteriously impact mollusk assembles causing ecological imbalances.

Citrus gummosis incidence and role of ants (Lasius grandis) and snails (Helix aspersa) as vectors of the disease in Tunisia

SummarySurveys were conducted between November 2011 and December 2013 to determine the distribution and the incidence of citrus gummosis in Tunisia. Forty‐two citrus orchards in three different citrus areas were surveyed. Symptoms of gummosis were observed in 59.52% of the orchards. The highest incidence was observed in the Cap Bon area. The involvement of some invertebrates in the epidemiology of citrus gummosis was also confirmed. Species of ants (Lasius grandis), snails (Helix aspersa and Rumina decollata) and worms (Armadillidium vulgare) collected from 2012 until 2014 were tested for the presence of Oomycetes. Phytophthora nicotianae and Phytopythium vexans were isolated from the bodies of Lasius grandis and also from bodies and faeces of Helix aspersa. However, no Oomycetes were isolated from the bodies of Rumina decollata and Armadillidium vulgare. In vitro assays, Helix aspersa was fed with P. nicotianae‐ and Ph. vexans‐infected citrus bark showed the existence of those pathogens in 79.1% of the faeces of snails. In vivo assays, snails and ants were able to transmit the pathogens vertically from the base of potted 2‐year‐old trees citrus variety Clementine Mandarin cv. Hernandina, to other parts of the tree.

Larval development of Aelurostrongylus abstrusus in experimentally infected Rumina decollata snails

Aelurostrongylus abstrusus is a lungworm distributed worldwide that affects wild and domestic cats, causing bronchopneumonia of varying intensity. Snails serve as intermediate hosts. The aim of the present study was to assess the larval development of A. abstrusus in R. decollata snails and to investigate its potential as an intermediate host. For this purpose, first-stage larvae (L1) of A. abstrusus were obtained from the faeces of naturally infected cats. Doses of 500 L1/snail were given to 24 R. decollata snails, placed on the soil of the breeder chamber, and maintained under laboratory conditions. Three snails were killed at 8, 10, 12, 16, 22, 26, 45 and 55 days post-infection (dpi), and the muscular foot and visceral body were separately digested by an artificial digestion technique. The morphometric parameters of different larval stages were recorded. The mean number of larvae reaching the infective stage at the end of the study (L3) was 262 larvae/snail. The greatest development to L3 was recorded from days16 to 55 pi, during which the isolation was maximum. A. Abstrusus L3 were isolated from the viscera, but isolation from the snail foot was significantly higher. Our results showed for the first time the ability of A. Abstrusus larvae to develop in R. decollata, thus serving as a potential intermediate host.

First report of Toxocara cati in the domestic land snail Rumina decollata

The prospective role of the land snail Rumina decollata as a potential paratenic host of Toxocara cati for domestic cats was studied. R. decollata specimens and cats’ feces were collected from the open spaces of a Buenos Aires city hospital. Cats’ feces were analyzed and snails were digested to identify T. cati stages, by morphological and molecular analyses. T. cati larval eggs were recovered from 23.5% (4/17) of the sampled feces. Twenty percent of snail pools (5/25) were confirmed to be positive for Toxocara spp. third larval stage (L3) by PCR. The mean value of total larvae recovered per gram of snail in all positive pools was 5.1, with a maximum 33 L3/pool. This is the first report of T. cati infective larvae in R. decollata domestic snail as a paratenic host, since the relationship between infection in snails and in cats’ feces could be demonstrated in a common environment.