ORLANDO, Fla. – Many Florida residents may have happened across a scene much like the image above: a cluster of tiny pink blobs attached to concrete or plants near bodies of water.
What residents and visitors may not know is that these eggs may belong to what has been dubbed one of the “world’s worst invaders.”
More specifically, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission identifies these clusters as egg clutches for exotic apple snails.
An apple snail egg case is a distinctive bubble gum pink color. One case can hold thousands of eggs. (Copyright 2021 by KSAT – All rights reserved.)
In Florida, these snails come in four main varieties: the island apple snail, the channeled apple snail, the spike-topped apple snail, and the titan apple snail.
The channeled apple snail in particular poses a big threat, as it eats all sorts of aquatic plants, fruits, vegetables, algae, animal remains and even other snail eggs.
“In the last decade, apple snails have received attention because of their ability to damage wetland crops through foraging…” FWC officials note. “Because of damage to crops, the channeled apple snail is listed as one of the world’s worst invaders.”
(Image of Apple snail via San Antonio River Authority) (KSAT)
However, the Sunshine State does have a native species of apple snail. Native clutches will appear white and much larger than their foreign counterparts.
The FWC released a handy image in 2023 to help distinguish between these two sets of eggs.
In Central Florida, apple snail eggs typically appear during the warmer months, particularly in spring and summer. An individual clutch can have hundreds — if not thousands — of eggs, depending on the species.
These eggs have a neurotoxin in them — so don’t touch — and they can carry the rat lung worm parasite. Worse yet, they’re dangerous if eaten raw.
Invasive apple snails are shown with a pink egg clutch. (KSAT 12)
This time of year is also when the temperature and humidity are conducive to their reproduction and egg-laying behavior. Keep an eye out for these distinctive egg masses on plants and other surfaces near freshwater habitats during these seasons.
“Currently, there is little FWC can do to stem the exotic apple snail populations, as is the case for most established exotic species that are often part of the exotic pet trade,” FWC officials added.
It’s important to note that because of the danger these snails pose, it’s illegal for apple snails to be imported across state laws.
But for those who do own an apple snail, the FWC suggests refraining from releasing them into the wild.
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