Eastern Heath Snail (Xerolenta obvia)The Eastern Heath Snail (EHS) is a non-native/invasive terrestrial snail in the Geomitridae family with the scientific name Xerolenta obvia (Menke). It is a little smaller than a dime (16 mm-19mm) in diameter and is white, often with spiral brown bands. Unlike native snails, EHS are known for their massing behavior when snails climb vegetation, fence posts, or other upright objects to escape high ground temperatures and gather in large numbers. The EHS was known in only a few locations in North America including Ontario Canada, Detroit MI, and Belt MT. The Montana EHS population has now spread from its initial detection location in Belt, MT to other areas in Chouteau, Cascade, Judith Basin, and Fergus Counties. |
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Ian Foley, Montana Department of Agriculture |
Outreach Materials
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Questions/Comments/Suggestions?
Anna Connerton
anna.connerton@mt.gov
Reporting
To report a suspected Eastern Heath Snail, please contact your local Montana State University Extension Office or the Montana Department of Agriculture at (406)444-9066.