Project Coordinator: Danielle Cowell
Museum scientists are trying to track down an ‘alien invader’ that could be living in your backyard. The Girdled Snail Hygromia cinctella is a species that does not occur naturally within the British Isles, but originates from the Mediterranean. It was first spotted in the 1950s in Devon, and has been seen in other areas of Britain. The ‘alien’ was probably introduced accidentally, having possibly made the journey across the Channel amongst some garden plants.
By tracking its whereabouts scientists hope to find out what effect global warming is having on the invertebrates living in our gardens.
So, where can it be found today?
This project is arranged in co-operation with the National Museums and Galleries of Wales environmental education network called SCAN (Schools and Communities Agenda 21 Network). By logging onto their website at http://www.museumwales.ac.uk/scan/ you will be able to access an easy identification guide, get a closer look at the features and variations within the species and to input and store results on-line.