Achatinidae

Achatinidae is a family of large tropical land snails within the clade Stylommatophora. They are terrestrial pulmonate gastropods native to Africa and nearby regions, but several species have been widely introduced elsewhere as agricultural pests or through the pet trade. The family includes a range of genera, such as Achatina, Archachatina, and Lissachatina, among others.

Description and biology: Members of Achatinidae are among the largest land snails. Shells are typically elongated or conical, with color patterns ranging from brown to yellow and often with bands or speckling; shell length can be substantial in the larger species. The snail’s body is sizeable, and the animal is usually mottled or dark in color. Like other land snails, they are simultaneous hermaphrodites and reproduce by mating with another individual to exchange sperm. Eggs are laid in damp soil in clutches, with incubation and hatching influenced by temperature and humidity. They tend to have relatively long lifespans and can reach sexual maturity within a year or more.

Distribution and ecology: Native to sub-Saharan Africa, Achatinidae occupy a variety of humid habitats, including forests, woodland margins, and cultivated areas. They prefer moist microhabitats and are typically nocturnal. Their diet is primarily herbivorous, consisting of live and decaying plant matter, fruits, and vegetables. Reproduction involves laying multiple eggs, and young snails develop in the moist soil until they are capable of feeding and growing.

Economic and conservation aspects: Several species in the family, notably Achatina fulica (the giant African snail), are invasive and agricultural pests in many regions, leading to control efforts. Some species are kept as pets or consumed as escargot, while habitat loss and invasive introductions threaten certain native snails. Taxonomic work has led to shifts in genus placement for some populations, with Lissachatina and Archachatina sometimes used in place of Achatina for certain groups.