CAUCASOTACHEA VINDOBONENSIS - AN INCREASINGLY PRESENT SNAIL IN MIXED GARDENS

In mixed gardens in Western Romania, the Austrian snail (Caucasotachea vindobonensis) is increasingly present.It is less known as a pest, rather it has a neutral role.However, little information is not precise regarding its preference for food, that is, with decomposing plant debris.That is why we proposed to see what the current situation is and clarify some aspects of abundance especially in mixed gardens, where it was frequently observed and also try to make a feeding association with certain living plants.Thus, in the period 2020-2023 we analyzed the abundance of snails in 3 mixed gardens (vegetables, ornamental shrubs and lawn) under frequent irrigation systems, medium irrigation and non-irrigated.As a result, we observed and its abundant presence (over 3 individuals/m2 or a shrub) in spring and autumn when had a more active feeding period.Among the plant species (5 vegetable species, 4 shrubs, 1 lawn), lettuce was preferred as a feeding in spring and Japanese quince as a hiding place on hot summer days.Among the 3 irrigation systems, most snails were present in the garden with medium irrigation.The covering of the leaves and stems with the specific mucus is questionable, we consider that it indirectly affects the good functionality of the plant.As a conclusion, although the species does not seem to be a real danger for the agro-horticultural sector, increased attention must be paid in future, a large population may lead to adaptability to a new feeding style.