Cuban Brown Snail
Zachrysia provisoria
Cuban Brown Snail
Zachrysia provisoria
Zachrysia provisoria, commonly called the Cuban brown snail, is a medium-sized land snail native to the Caribbean and belongs to the family Zachrysiidae. Its shell measures about 25–30 mm across and is globose with four to five whorls. The spire is relatively low, and the opening of the shell has a thick, slightly upturned lip. The shell surface is smooth and often glossy, typically a rich dark tan with lighter streaks, though older shells may fade to a paler yellow-brown. The mantle is mottled black and can sometimes be seen through more translucent shells.
This species is usually found in moist, shady places—among leaf litter, around rocks, and within ornamental plantings. In its native range it lives in ravines, shrubby areas, and humid forest habitats, and it can even be found in upland regions as long as there is sufficient moisture. While it prefers warm tropical conditions, it can survive cooler, drier winters when shelter is available.
Zachrysia provisoria is a highly polyphagous feeder and can damage a wide range of garden and agricultural plants. It has been recorded feeding on bougainvillea, citrus, crepe myrtle, mango, star fruit, and many other ornamentals and crops, making it a notable pest where it becomes established.
Class: Gastropoda
Order: Stylommatophora
Family: Zachrysiidae
Genus: Zachrysia
Binomial name: Zachrysia provisoria
Zachrysia provisoria
Zachrysia provisoria, commonly called the Cuban brown snail, is a medium-sized land snail native to the Caribbean and belongs to the family Zachrysiidae. Its shell measures about 25–30 mm across and is globose with four to five whorls. The spire is relatively low, and the opening of the shell has a thick, slightly upturned lip. The shell surface is smooth and often glossy, typically a rich dark tan with lighter streaks, though older shells may fade to a paler yellow-brown. The mantle is mottled black and can sometimes be seen through more translucent shells.
This species is usually found in moist, shady places—among leaf litter, around rocks, and within ornamental plantings. In its native range it lives in ravines, shrubby areas, and humid forest habitats, and it can even be found in upland regions as long as there is sufficient moisture. While it prefers warm tropical conditions, it can survive cooler, drier winters when shelter is available.
Zachrysia provisoria is a highly polyphagous feeder and can damage a wide range of garden and agricultural plants. It has been recorded feeding on bougainvillea, citrus, crepe myrtle, mango, star fruit, and many other ornamentals and crops, making it a notable pest where it becomes established.
Class: Gastropoda
Order: Stylommatophora
Family: Zachrysiidae
Genus: Zachrysia
Binomial name: Zachrysia provisoria
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