Assassin Snail Natural History
Size
Assassin Snails can grow up to 35mm.
Habitat and Distribution
They bury themselves in the substrate of ponds, lakes and streams.
Diet
These snails are carnivores and will feed on worms and other snails.
Age
They can live for up to 5 years.
Groups and Breeding
After mating for several hours the female will lay a number of square egg capsules which stick onto solid surfaces. Each one contains a single egg which can take several weeks to hatch.
Threats
The biggest threats to this species are global warming (which dries out their habitat), land development and water pollution.
Interesting Facts
At present, without dissection there is no clear way to tell males and females apart.
Because of their carnivorous diet these snails are often sold in the aquarium trade as a biological agent for controlling populations of pest snail species such as Malaysian Trumpet Snails, Bladder Snails and Pond Snails.
The Assassin Snail During Your Day Out in Kent
At Wingham Wildlife Park the Assassin Snails can be seen in the Bug Gardens. The Bug Gardens are also home to a variety of tarantulas, cockroaches, beetles and other invertebrates.