How do you spell "helminthoglytidae"---with a straight face?
        Q-Man

Phil Liff-Grieff wrote:

> This scenario seems highly unlikey.  The edible snails that you are refering to
> are Helicidae, either Helix aspersa or Otala lactea.  The local snails are
> Helminthoglytidae.  My understanding is that the differences in reproductive
> organs is rather distinct from species to species and I would suspect that,
> from family to family, the differences would be rather insurmountable.  This
> sounds like a wonderful malacological  "urban myth".
>
> I wonder, has anyone ever collected these types of stories?  It could make for
> enjoyable reading.
>
> All the best,
>
> Phil Liff-Grieff
> [log in to unmask]
>
> Andrew Rindsberg wrote:
>
> > Paul Monfils wrote, "Imported snails interbreeding with local snails?  Very
> > interesting! Presumably they were closely related forms?  Same genus?  At
> > least same family?  Any additional information on this would be welcomed.
> > Another consideration - are there some species that can reproduce
> > hermaphroditically?"
> >
> > I don't know the specific names, but the classic example is that of an
> > edible landsnail that was imported from France to California many years ago.
> > When I lived in California in the 70's, I was told that they had interbred
> > with the native snails, reducing their size. They were certainly present in
> > overwhelming numbers, and did enormous damage to gardens. If anyone could
> > affirm or deny this little story with details, I'd appreciate it.
> >
> > Getting back to James Cheshire's innocent question: Another good reason not
> > to transport living snails away from their habitats is that some freshwater
> > snails carry parasites (viruses, bacteria, worms, etc.), some of which cause
> > serious diseases in people. Even if the parasites do not affect humans, they
> > might well be able to infest native snails, birds, domestic or wild animals,
> > etc.
> >
> > Well, folks, I have to step out of this discussion awhile and get back to
> > other work... have fun! And listen to what Kurt has to say. He knows!
> >
> > Andrew K. Rindsberg
> > Geological Survey of Alabama