ampullid

An ampullid is a member of the family Ampullidae, a group of relatively large freshwater snails in the class Gastropoda, commonly known as apple snails. Ampullids typically have globose to ovate shells and an operculum. They are air-breathing aquatic snails, usually surface to gulp air, though they can exchange gases dissolved in water.

Ampullids are native to the Americas, especially tropical and subtropical regions of Central and South America, but several species have been introduced to other continents. In many places they inhabit rivers, streams, ponds, and wetlands with abundant aquatic vegetation. They are mainly herbivorous and detritivorous, feeding on aquatic plants, fallen leaves, algae, and occasionally small invertebrates.

Reproduction in ampullids is oviparous. Females lay gelatinous masses of eggs above water on vegetation, rocks, or man-made structures. Egg clutches are often pink or white and can contain dozens to hundreds of eggs, with multiple generations possible each year in warm climates.

Economic and ecological significance varies by species. Some apple snails, particularly those in the genus Pomacea, are agricultural pests in rice paddies and other crops. They are also kept in aquaria and pond installations. Invasive ampullids can impact native mollusk communities and aquatic vegetation, sometimes altering habitat structure.

Taxonomy and scope: Ampullidae is a family within the larger classification of snails, with Pomacea and related genera among the most widely known members. The term ampullid is used to denote these family members.