January 2006. The snail was found recently feeding on a number of herbaceous weeds and vegetables in Nauru. The snail was apparently restricted to a small part of the Island so seems to have been introduced there recently.

It appears to be Bradybaena similaris Ferussac, 1821. It is a species originally from SE Asia, but has spread throughout the tropics. If possible, it should be eradicated, but by the time a species like this is detected the numbers are already substantial.

It is not surprising that this species has shown up on Nauru. It is a common tropical “tramp” species. It highlights the need for vigilance. Once snails spread into agricultural areas and forest, it is difficult (often impossible) to eradicate them.