Initially, the snail was suspected for the Spanish earth’s pocket, an invasive species that has spread over large parts of our country since the 1960s. Only after DNA testing did it turn out to be the closely related, but genetically different ‘brother’. ,, In terms of appearance, the animals are hard to distinguish from each other. Only through internal research or genetic analysis does the difference come to light and that is in the anatomy of the male genitals, “said the biologist.
Nude snail found shows hidden biodiversity
The small-created balcony snail, which also stops in England and northern France, is probably participating with a plant from a vegetable garden. The species can – just like its Spanish double with a slightly stronger ‘boy’ – spread potential through gardens and greenhouses. Whether this snail actually causes damage is still the question. Calf: “I don’t expect it to be a big problem, but it shows how much hidden biodiversity there is.”
Superwesp flies to death: ‘Revolutionary’ microsender is successful in fight against Asian Hoornaar
According to the biologist, it is important to know the differences between species well. ,, One mosquito does not spread malaria and the other. One snail is also more harmful than the other. And if, for example, you want to use natural enemies against snails in your garden, it is useful to know what snail it is. You should not want to fight all types if it is not necessary. “
Sacrificed for science
Naturalis wants to be able to recognize all more than 47,000 species in the Netherlands for the so-called Arise program, including their DNA. ,, That means we have to turn it into a barcode. The balcony snail is therefore sacrificed for science. But now that that has happened, he can now also be recognized by droppings in the soil. ”
Exotic ‘horror worms’ flood the Netherlands, but they also have good sides
The A. Parvipenis is probably much more general in the Netherlands than it was thought. Nevertheless, Calf speaks of a very special find: “Even on your own balcony there are still species to discover.”