A variety of South American snail that devours aquatic plants has turned up in a canal in the Gretna area, a state wildlife official said Wednesday.

The channeled apple snail grows up to 4 inches in diameter and produces a distinctive pink egg mass. Florida officials have been battling the pest for several years. Article at: http://www.timesdaily.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061102/APN/611021372

Comment - These snails have shown up in Tallahassee too and are threatening to move into the various north Florida Spring fed habitats such as Wakulla, St. Marks and others.   The pinkish eggs on tree stumps and walls are a giveaway that they have arrived in your waterbody.