Rosy Wolfsnail

## About

A rosy wolfsnail climbing a tree.

The rosy wolfsnail ***(Euglandina rosea)*** also known as the rosy predator snail or simply the cannibal snail is a fast gastropod predator that hunts down and eats slugs as well as other species of snails. Rosy wolfsnails exhibit pinkish-brown or pale bronze coloured bodies and bright rose coloured shells. These shells are covered in deep groves and end in a spiraled cone tip known as a fusiform type shell. A very identifiable characteristic of the rosy wolfsnail is the multiple tentacles they have on their face. Instead of the usual two eye stalks and two smaller tentacles, rosy wolfsnails also possess an extra two long curled tentacles on the front of their face known as oral lappets. Their alternative name, cannibal snail is derived from the fact that they consume large amounts of slugs and other snails as a major part of their diets. This makes rosy wolfsnails some of the only carnivorous/molluscivorous snails. Adult rosy wolfsnails can grow up to 7-10cm (2.7-3.9in).

## Diet

Rosy wolfsnails, as mentioned above are molluscivorous, eating other gastropods such as snails and slugs. Rosy wolfsnails are some of the only predatory snails on Earth, fiercely hunting down their slow prey with their mildly increased speed. The rosy wolfsnails will strategically bite the exposed skin of its snail prey before receding into the shell with it and eating it from the inside out.

## Conservation Status

The rosy wolfsnail has not been assessed by the IUCN and does not have an official conservation status due to this. Rosy wolfsnails are listed as data deficient by default.

## Range and Population

Rosy wolfsnails are native to the states of the southeastern USA from Texas to Florida, occurring in hardwood forests on the outskirts of suburban areas. Rosy wolfsnails have also cemented themselves as invasive species on many Island ecosystems including French Polynesia, the Ryukyu Islands of Japan and many other Island nations worldwide. The most drastic and harmful instance of the rosy wolfsnail's invasion is the Hawaiian Islands. In Hawaii the rosy wolfsnail has not only contributed to the decline of many Island gastropod species but also the extinction of eight Hawaiian snail species. Today all Hawaiian snail species are recognised as endangered. The reason why rosy wolfsnails were even brought to these and many other Islands to begin with, was to control the populations with the also invasive giant African land snail ***(Achatina fulica)***, which is also present on the Islands. Unfortunately, rosy wolfsnails are very opportunistic predators and soon started to target smaller species compared to the giant land snails. Because of how easily the snails can multiply, they have taken over many Island nations and are listed as one of the top 100 most invasive species by the GISD. The exact population of the rosy wolfsnail is unknown as well as their current population trend, meaning there is no official IUCN related distribution map for the species.

## Behaviour

Rosy wolfsnails are aggressive and territorial animals only traveling alone, only seeing other snails to breed. Rosy wolfsnails are sometimes kept as household pets due to their small stature and easy care. Rosy wolfsnails are also considered nocturnal however, this has been disputed as they are sighted often hunting throughout the day. Rosy wolfsnails are often found wandering around humid forests or wet pavements after rain or storms, like most gastropods they are more active in wetter weather.

### Relationship with Humans

Rosy wolfsnails are common exotic pets kept in many households worldwide, they have a good relationship with humans aside from their invasive populations and ecosystem ruining breeding. Rosy wolfsnails are more aggressive than most snails, but will not attack humans, instead receding into their shells when frightened like regular snails.

## In Captivity

No zoos exhibit the rosy wolfsnail however, the snail is kept in pet shops around the world and is also sold commonly to exotic pet owners.

## Sources

* Aquarium Breeder - https://aquariumbreeder.com/the-rosy-wolfsnail-profile
* Loyola University New Orleans | Rosy Wolfsnail - https://www.loyno.edu/lucec/natural-history-writings/rosy-wolfsnail-euglandina-rosea
* Rosy Wolsnail | Wikipedia - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Euglandina\_rosea
* IUCN GISD | Rosy Wolfsnail - http://www.iucngisd.org/gisd/species.php?sc=92