Florida Tree Snail 40D0001098

Florida Tree Snail (Liguus fasciatus)

Liguus is a genus of large land snails, or, more properly, "tree" snails. They are especially notable for their large size, and for their often brightly colored shells, sometimes with complex patterns. Because of their visual appeal, the shells have been the target of heavy collection pressure — a serious issue since some varieties are very scarce, and some are believed to have become extinct within the last century.

The genus Liguus is restricted to some of the Greater Antilles (Cuba, Hispaniola) and to Florida. The numerous subspecies of Liguus fasciatus are more widely distributed, in both Cuba and southern Florida.

These snails are found on trees of many species, usually ones with smooth bark: false-tamarind (Lysiloma latisiliquum), gumbo-limbo (Bursera simaruba), pigeonplum (Coccoloba diversifolia), black-ironwood (Krugiodendron ferreum), mastic (Mastichodendron foetidissimum), poisonwood (Metopium toxiferum), and Jamaica dogwood (Piscidia piscipula), among others. In most cases, tropical forests suitable for Liguus have at least some surficial limestone, and limestone outcroppings are often present.

Liguus shares the distinguishing characteristics of other bulimulid gastropods in the subfamily Orthalicinae: large size (about 40 mm / 1.6 inches in length), imperforate umbilicus, a jaw consisting of a limited number of broad plates, and the presence of a penial gland.

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