Cornu aspersum

1. Cornu aspersum (O.F. Müller, 1774) Distribution and year: Francistown 2019 (GBIF 2023 b). Habitat: Terrestrial. Native range: Mediterranean region (Sherpa et al. 2018), from north-west Africa, western Europe and eastwards towards Asia. Extent of invasion: The species is cosmopolitan, being introduced either accidentally or deliberately as a source of animal feed (Guiller et al. 2012). It is now found in regions such as Australia, eastern and southern regions of Africa, New Zealand, North America and southern South America (GaitÁn-Espitia et al. 2013). Notes: The molluscs were imported deliberately to Southern Africa around the 1850s as a food resource (Herbert & Kilburn 2004). The species is now considered a notorious agricultural pest, constantly devouring citrus orchards and vineyards (Barker & Watts 2002). The molluscs are eaten in some parts of the world and often utilised as a main ingredient in pharmaceuticals and cosmetics (JØrgensen & SØrensen 2008). Type locality: In Italy (MÜller 1774). Source: GBIF (2023 b).