Scientific name: Cernuella virgata
What Is It?
The vineyard snail (occasionally referred to as the Mediterranean white snail) is small (less than 1 inch across) and white or tan in color with dark brown spiral bands. These snails often are found on top of vegetation, particularly crops, where they can survive long periods of hot and dry weather without food. They can clog harvesting machinery, contaminate crops, and carry a variety of diseases.
Is It Here Yet?
Yes. Vineyard snails were detected at the Port of Tacoma in 2005. This population is still being actively addressed through joint efforts by the Washington State Department of Agriculture, Washington State University, and the Port of Tacoma. No snails have been detected outside of the port area.
Why Should I Care?
Vineyard snails eat cereal and legume crops, pasture vegetation, and likely many types of native plants. They go into a dormant stage in the summer, often on top of crops, which can lead to clogging of harvesting machinery and contamination of harvested crops. These snails also can carry plant, animal, and human diseases.
How Can We Stop It?
These snails are regulated under the federal Plant Protection Act, meaning that the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service is responsible for taking actions to exclude, eradicate, and control them. Importers should examine overseas shipments and report any suspected invasive snails to the Washington State Department of Agriculture.
What Are Its Characteristics?
- A mature snail is less than 1 inch in diameter.
- The shell has five to seven convex whorls, which are white or tan and usually have dark brown spiral bands.
- The shell’s mouth is round with an internal rib, which may be white or brown.
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