Brown Garden Snail

Brown garden snail, Cantareus aspersus (formerly Helix aspersa and Cryptomphalus aspersus) a member of the family Helicidae, originates from Britain, western Europe, and along borders of the Mediterranean and Black Seas. There have been introductions of this species into Argentina, the Atlantic Islands, Australia, Chile, Haiti, Mexico, New Zealand, and South Africa. In the United States, it is reported from California north to British Columbia, Canada, in most southeastern states and along the east coast north to New Jersey. This snail is reported to cost the state of California 7-10 million dollars every year.

Currently, C. aspersus presents the greatest risk to nurseries given its status as a quarantine pest and its establishment in sites around Oregon and Washington. The brown garden snail feeds on a wide range of host material and can commonly be found climbing into trees and shrubs. Closely related snails of concern are the European apple snail, H. pomatia, and the green snail, H. aperta. There are some useful sites to gather more information on this snail species.

University of Florida and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Featured Creatures:Brown garden snail

BC Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries European brown garden snail

Canada Food Inspection Agency: Helix aspersa (Muller) - European brown garden snail.

Brown Garden Snail

Photo: Rosetta

Young brown garden snail

Photo: Rosetta

Brown garden snail damage on Hosta

Photo: Rosetta

Brown garden snail damage to Hosta

Photo: Rosetta