Maritime garden snail - Cernuella virgata
Effective: November 6, 2020
Taxonomic Position: Stylommatophora : Helicidae, Hygromidae
Pest Type: Gastropods
Pest Code (NAPIS): IGDGAMA
This pest is a member of the following surveys: Mollusk, Small Grains, Soybean
These Approved Methods are appropriate for: 2025, 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020
Pest Information
CAPS Pest Datasheet: https://download.ceris.purdue.edu/file/3128
Pest Tracker: https://pesttracker.org/pest/IGDGAMA
Human and Animal Pathogens Transmitted:
Brachylaima cribbi. Angiostrongylus cantonensis* is most readily associated with Tropical species such as Giant African Snail (Achatina fulica) but can be associated with other exotic slugs/snails. Cernuella virgata can transmit Cystocaulus ocreatus, Muellerius capillaris, and Neostrongylus linearis to livestock.

*Relationship not known or not well established.
Pest Pathogens and Organisms Vectored:
Not known to vector any pathogens or other associated organisms.
Survey

Approved Method(s)
Method Detail NAPIS Survey Method
Visual See the Survey Manuals for more details. 3031 - General Visual Observation
Method Notes:
Refer to the Detection Survey section (pages 4-1 through 4-4) and Hygromiidae information in the Pest Information section of the New Pest Response Guidelines: Temperate Terrestrial Gastropods (USDA-APHIS-PPQ, 2008-rev. 2010) for additional survey information.

Survey Recommendations
The following are recommendations for executing the survey using the approved methods for pest surveillance. The recommendations are developed through literature review and consultation with subject matter experts.
Key Diagnostic or Identification

Approved Method(s)
ID/Diagnostic:
Morphological: All specimens should be submitted to David G. Robinson / Francisco J. Borrero. They are able to identify (even immature specimens) to the species level for this genus.

David G. Robinson / Francisco J. Borrero
USDA APHIS PPQ PHP National Identification Services
National Malacology Laboratory
Academy of Natural Sciences
1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Philadelphia, PA 19103-1101
Ph.: 215 299-1175
Fx: 215 567-7229
e-mail: david.g.robinson@usda.gov; francisco.j.borrero@usda.gov
Mistaken Identities:
C. virgata closely resembles the white Italian snail (Theba pisana) in appearance and pest status. C. virgata can be differentiated from T. pisana by more pronounced spiral banding.
References

If you are unable to find a reference, contact STCAPS@usda.gov. See the CAPS Pest Datasheet for all references.