If someone ever comes across a bright pink mass attached to a branch or stone near water, they may have witnessed an ecological alert. These are the eggs of the apple snail (Pomacea canaliculata), an invasive species originally from South America that, paradoxically, poses a serious threat to the ecosystems of the region, including various provinces in Argentina.
Although its appearance may seem harmless —and even striking due to its vibrant color—, this mollusk has wreaked havoc in Mexico, Central America, and Southeast Asia, and is already considered a pest in several areas of our country.
The apple snail feeds on aquatic plants, affecting the biodiversity of lagoons, rivers, and canals. This ecosystem disruption harms not only other animal species, but also key economic activities, such as agriculture. Rice cultivation is one of the most affected, as snails can devour entire shoots, ruining crops and causing significant losses.
Furthermore, the animal is a carrier of dangerous parasites for human health, such as the Angiostrongylus cantonensis, which causes eosinophilic meningitis in some documented cases in Asia and America.
What’s Happening in Argentina?
In our country, the apple snail has already been detected in ecosystems of the Litoral region, the Paraná Delta, and other wetlands, including bodies of water in Buenos Aires, Santa Fe, Corrientes, and Entre Ríos. The National Service of Agri-Food Health and Quality (SENASA) has issued alerts for its presence and has included this species among those of high health and environmental risk.
Damage to crops has been identified, and experts warn that, without proper control, the spread could worsen with climate change, which favors their reproduction.
How to Recognize Their Eggs (and What Not to Do)
The apple snail eggs are easy to identify:
- They are grouped in compact masses of bright pink color.
- They adhere to solid surfaces near water, such as stones, plant stems, or walls.
- Each mass can contain between 200 and 700 eggs.
The concerning fact is that they are covered in natural toxins, making them unappealing to predators and potentially dangerous to touch.
It is important to note that these snails or their eggs should not be touched or moved. If found, the best course of action is to notify local environmental authorities or SENASA for a safe and effective control.
Apple snail. Photo: Tiempo.com.
A Call to Environmental Awareness
The case of the apple snail exemplifies how an introduced species outside its natural habitat can disrupt an entire ecosystem. Sometimes, dangers do not come in the form of large predators, but in small organisms with a great capacity for reproduction and harm.
Environmental education and early detection are key to contain its advance.
Source: Daniel Oñate – Tv Azteca Jalisco.
