Lissachatina fulica | |
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Lissachatina fulica in Bali, Indonesia | |
Scientific classification | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Mollusca |
Class: | Gastropoda |
Order: | Stylommatophora |
Suborder: | Achatinina |
Superfamily: | Achatinoidea |
Family: | Achatinidae |
Genus: | Lissachatina |
Species: | L. fulica
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Binomial name | |
Lissachatina fulica (Férussac, 1821)
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Synonyms | |
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Lissachatina fulica is a species of large land snail that belongs in the subfamily Achatininae of the family Achatinidae.[1] It is also known as the Giant African land snail.[2] It shares the common name "giant African snail" with other species of snails such as Achatina achatina and Archachatina marginata. This snail species has been considered a significant cause of pest issues around the world. It is a federally prohibited species in the USA, as it is illegal to sell or possess.[3] Internationally, it is the most frequently occurring invasive species of snail.[4]
Outside of its native range, this snail thrives in many types of habitat with mild climates. It feeds voraciously and is a vector for plant pathogens, causing severe damage to agricultural crops and native plants. It competes with native snail taxa, is a nuisance pest of urban areas, and spreads human disease.[2]