Decollate snail

The decollate snail (Rumina decollata) is a gastropod mollusc belonging to the family Subulinidae. While often introduced in some regions as a biological control agent to prey on other invasive snails, it is also classified as a plant pest in agricultural settings.

These snails cause significant damage to seedlings, vegetable crops, ornamentals, and various flowers. They thrive in moist environments such as greenhouses and nurseries, often feeding on the succulent stems and leaves of vulnerable young plants.

The life cycle begins with the laying of eggs in moist soil. The snail is characterized by its distinct, elongated, and decollated shell, where the tip is naturally shed as the mollusc matures. Their development is highly dependent on environmental moisture levels.

Damage typically presents as ragged holes in foliage or the complete consumption of tender plant shoots. Because they are primarily nocturnal, they can cause extensive destruction overnight while remaining hidden in soil or under debris during the day.

Management practices focus on reducing favorable habitats:

• Removing leaf litter and garden debris.
• Maintaining soil surface drainage.
• Using physical barriers like copper tape or crushed eggshells.
• Applying iron phosphate-based molluscicides for targeted control.