Florida has become invaded by other apple snails, the Channeled apple snail (Pomacea canaliculata) and the Island apple snail (Pomacea insularum). These guys are much bigger than the Florida apple and eat virtually all vegetation. They are also more prolific. You'd think the Snail kites would eat them, too, but it is thought that they are too big for the kites to feed on properly.The bad eggs (hehehe) are smaller, a deeper pink and have many more of them in a cluster. If you see the bad ones, smoosh 'em!
This link shows good pictures of the snails and a nice comparison of the eggs.
This link shows good pictures of the snails and a nice comparison of the eggs.
7 comments:
I've just found your blog. I'm not sure how? It's strange because a couple of months ago I watched a TV programme in the UK about Snail Kites. I guess you have seen a lot of them, they look fascinating birds. I'm in the Florida Keys at the moment, but usually I'm in darkest Dorset, England. Great Blog! Jane
Hi Jane! Thanks for the comment and I hope you enjoy your time in the Keys! It's beautiful down there :)
Can we eat the invasive snails? Maybe if we can get them on the local restaurant menus, people can help reduce their populations. Of course, then they will probably start harvesting the native apple snails too ... ahhhh, you can't win with exotics.
Those are cool! And so happy to meet some good eggs. :) I'll stay away form the bad ones.
NO!!!! Do NOT eat the bad snails!!! They are full of nasty parasites and you shouldn't even handle them without latex gloves on! But...I'm sure you already knew that Marc!
I have a feeling when I was at Green Cay in Boynton Beach last weekend, I took a picture of the bad pink eggs:
http://anestamidthorns.blogspot.com/2008/02/green-cay-in-palm-beach.html
scroll down to the pink eggs.....they look too pink. Unfortunately, I couldn't get out into the water to squish them, but I found the Green Cay Nature Center through Swampangel65, and perhaps she can keep an eye out and squish them......she works there.
Nope, sorry Suze, butI don't work there! I work in Homestead. I am going to check out your blog right now :)
Post a Comment