New Zealand Mudsnail

New Zealand mudsnails (Potamopyrgus antipodarum) are tiny aquatic snails that are easily spread to new areas via fishing gear. This species of snail is  parthenogenic (meaning an embryo can occur directly from an egg without fertilization). All introduced populations in North America are clonal, consisting of genetically identical females and each snail can produce approximately 230 young per year! So just one snail in a new environment can easily start a new population.

Species invasion map by USGS-NAS. Great Lakes states/ provinces with New Zealand mudsnails: IL, MI, MN, NY, OH, ON, PA, WI. 

 

This short video is centered around New Zealand Mudsnail populations in Michigan, but the facts are still relevant to other jurisdictions. 

 

Video from Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy.

 

 Video from Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission. 

Looking for more information on the New Zealand Mudsnails? Check out their species profile on the GLANSIS database.