Comparison of Invasive Apple Snail (Pomacea canaliculata) Behaviors in Different Water Temperature Gradients

Pomacea canaliculata (known as invasive apple snail) is a freshwater snail native to South America that was introduced into many countries (including Asia and North America) as a food source or for organic farming systems. However, it has invaded freshwater ecosystems and become a serious agricultural pest in paddy fields. Water temperature is an important factor determining behavior and successful establishment in new areas. We examined the behavioral responses of P. canaliculata with water temperature changes from 25 degrees C to 30 degrees C, 20 degrees C, and 15 degrees C by quantifying changes in nine behaviors. At the acclimated temperature (25 degrees C), the mobility of P. canaliculata was low during the day, but high at night. Clinging behavior increased as the water temperature decreased from 25 degrees C to 20 degrees C or 15 degrees C. Conversely, ventilation and food consumption increased when the water temperature increased from 25 degrees C to 30 degrees C. A self-organizing map (an unsupervised artificial neural network) was used to classify the behavioral patterns into seven clusters at different water temperatures. These results suggest that the activity levels or certain behaviors of P. canaliculata vary with the water temperature conditions. Understanding the thermal biology of P. canaliculata may be crucial for managing this invasive snail.

Automated summary

The freshwater snail Pomacea canaliculata, originally from South America, has become an invasive agricultural pest in many countries including Asia and North America. Behavior and activity levels of this snail vary with changes in water temperature, with different behaviors observed at different temperatures. Understanding the thermal biology of Pomacea canaliculata is crucial for effective management of this invasive species.