The scientific name *Ampullaria gigas* (Spix) refers to a large aquatic snail commonly known by several other names, including *Ampullarium crosseana*, *Pomacea canaliculata*, and *Pomaceacineata*. This species is native to regions such as Guangdong, Guangxi, Fujian, Hainan, and Taiwan in China. It thrives in both aquatic and semi-aquatic environments, often found near water bodies where it feeds on various crops.
This snail primarily targets aquatic plants like rice, water chestnut, and water spinach, but it also affects nearby dry crops such as sweet potatoes and citrus. The damage is most severe after rice transplanting, when the snails feed on young rice shoots, cutting stems and reducing tillering, which ultimately lowers yield. Due to its rapid reproduction and invasive nature, it has become a significant agricultural pest in many areas.
In terms of morphology, the shell of *Ampullaria gigas* resembles that of a typical snail, with a spiral shape and varying coloration depending on environmental conditions and age. The shell is usually thick, with a height of up to 7 cm. Young shells are thinner, and the shell seams are shallow, while the umbilicus is deep and wide. The snail has two pairs of antennae, with the posterior one being longer, and a single eye located at the base of this antenna. On the left side of the body, there is a thick lung-like structure for respiration.
Reproduction is sexual, with females laying eggs in clusters on dry surfaces above the waterline, such as plant stems, walls, or field edges. The eggs are oval, about 2 mm in diameter, and initially appear pink or bright red. After about five days, they turn pale brown. Each clutch may contain between a few dozen to over a thousand eggs. Once hatched, the young snails drop into the water and begin feeding on plankton. They mature in 3 to 4 months, and under favorable conditions, they can reproduce multiple times a year.
The life cycle of *Ampullaria gigas* includes three generations per year in Guangzhou. The first generation takes about 93 days to reach maturity, while the second generation requires 102 days. Under average temperatures of around 27°C and high humidity, the second generation matures in 63 days. In cooler conditions, the development slows down, with the third generation taking up to 189 days to complete its life cycle. The snails are highly reproductive, with an average of 3,050 offspring per generation and a hatching rate of approximately 70%. Female snails can produce more than 1,000 offspring in their lifetime, making them a persistent threat to crops.
Control measures are crucial to managing infestations. When an average of 2–3 snails per square meter is detected, immediate action is required. One effective method involves applying 6% methiocarb granules (0.5–0.7 kg per 667 m²) in the evening or during rain, mixed with fine sand and kept in a 3–4 cm water layer for 3–5 days. Another option is using 2% tributyl tin acetate granules (TPTA), applied 7 days before planting, with 15–22.5 kg per hectare, depending on water temperature. Additionally, 80% metaldehyde wettable powder can be used at 1.2 kg per hectare, with a 1–3 cm water layer maintained for a week. For smaller areas, 8% chlorhexidine granules (1.5–2 kg per 667 m²) can be applied in the evening, mixed with soil, and left for 2–3 days to kill exposed snails.
Prevention is most effective before the snails start laying eggs, and regular monitoring of water fields is essential to detect early infestations. With proper management, the impact of *Ampullaria gigas* on agriculture can be significantly reduced.
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