Lella io Verdcourt, 1974 and Oxychilus alliarius (Miller, 1822): first reports of two greenhouse snails in Italy (Gastropoda: Streptaxidae, Oxychilidae)

Two snail species, Gulella io and Oxychilus alliarius, have been documented for the first time in Italy within greenhouse environments. Gulella io, a tropical African species, was identified from specimens collected in 2019 at the Botanical Garden of Padua, while Oxychilus alliarius, a widespread European predator, was found in 2024 at the Aquarium of Genoa and previously in Milan. Both species are likely introduced via plant trade, with Oxychilus alliarius posing potential ecological risks due to its invasive nature elsewhere. Despite its global spread, its impact in Italy may be limited by the presence of similar native species. The findings highlight the role of botanical gardens as unintentional vectors for alien species and underscore the need for vigilance in monitoring greenhouse ecosystems.

Manganelli, G., Barbato, D., Benocci, A., Favilli, L., & Giusti, F. (2025). lella io Verdcourt, 1974 and Oxychilus alliarius (Miller, 1822): first reports of two greenhouse snails in Italy (Gastropoda: Streptaxidae, Oxychilidae). Journal of Conchology, 45(3), 589–597. https://doi.org/10.61733/jconch/4550