Biological Name
Cochlicella Barbara, also Prietocella barbara
Common Name
Small pointed snail
Other Common Name
Small conical snail
Scrubsnail
Banded conical snail
Appearance/Characteristics
About 8-12mm in length and 5-8mm wide, whitish, or grey/yellow shell,
with brown spots or bands. Seven or eight whorls. The shell is carried in a
near-vertical position.
Other similar species
C. acuta
Biological Notes
Capable of rapid reproduction, the snail’s small size means it is
commonly spread through transporting infested plants, or in other goods
consignments. Conical snails generally activate post-aestivation later than
round snails. The first heavy rainfall of autumn triggers mating, but timing
varies between regions and seasons. Their lifecycle can be either annual or
biennial.
Geographical Distribution
European coastal regions around the Mediterranean area. Also widely
introduced to other countries in Europe, and present as an invasive species in
Australia, New Zealand and South Africa.
Habitat
Originally coastal areas but now more widespread into grassland,
gardens, pasture and cultivated areas. More prevalent in areas of high
rainfall, usually more than 500mm annually.
Damage Caused/Symptoms
Causes severe damage to grain and oilseed production; defoliation after
emergence is not uncommon. In Australia, it’s a pest of legume pastures, such
as alfalfa, lucerne and clover, and oilseed rape.
But major pest status is accorded owing to their size; they’re seen as
a contaminant of grain (both cereals and oilseed rape) during harvest, which
can result in consignments being downgraded on quality, or even rejected. Their
habit of climbing vegetation increases this risk.
Crops at Risk
Cereals, oilseed rape, legumes and pastures.
The snail is also considered a vector for the nematode that causes
sheep lungworm.
Impact and Severity
Cochlicella Barbara is listed as a harmful organism by Chile, Japan
and the Republic of Korea. It has a pest rating of B from the Californian
Department of Food and Agriculture and classified as an agricultural pest in
Australia.
Prevention and Control
Early season monitoring is essential. The species is best controlled
through a combination of cultural and chemical control.
Natural Predators
Predatory ground beetles.