The impact of land use on the density of Bulimulus bonariensis (Rafinesque) (Stylommatophora: Bulimulidae) and its parasitic mite, Austreynetes sp. nov. (Trombidiformes: Ereynetidae)

Bulimulus bonariensis (Rafinesque) (Stylommatophora: Bulimulidae) is an invasive snail from South America that was first detected in Florida in 2009. Since then, it has been responsible for crop losses in citrus due to its tendency to be attracted to and subsequently clog irrigation systems. This can result in insufficient watering, tree stress, and tree death. It is also a significant nuisance pest in anthropogenic settings, where snails can be so abundant that they cover doors, playground equipment, ornamental plants, and other objects in the landscape. Currently, few management options are available. The natural enemies of B. bonariensis are largely unknown, however, in 2023 a new species of parasitic mite Austreynetes sp. nov. (Trombidiformes: Ereynetidae) was discovered in the pallial cavity of field-collected specimens of B. bonariensis. The role of this parasite in the ecology of B. bonariensis and the factors that affect its prevalence, as well as the presence of its host, are unknown. This presentation summarizes the findings of our investigation of the factors affecting the density of snail and its parasite in different land use cases in south Florida. Snails were hand-collected from randomly selected quadrats in one of three habitats: commercial citrus, urban, and undisturbed wooded areas. Our findings are discussed in the context of ongoing B. bonariensis biological control efforts.