ORLANDO, Fla. – What on earth are these?
Many visitors and residents often inquire about these cluster of eggs on plants or on concrete slabs near a body of water. There are popping up everywhere in Central Florida. These light pink eggs are apple snail eggs.
Invasive apple snails lay numerous small, pink eggs that resemble large wads of bubble gum.
In contrast, native Florida apple snails produce smaller clusters, with 12 to 15 larger, white eggs.
Some species of apple snails have become invasive in certain parts of the world, causing ecological and economic problems by outcompeting native species and damaging crops.
These snails have been introduced to Florida and have established populations in various freshwater habitats, including lakes, ponds and canals.
They are known for their large size, distinctive pink egg masses, and big appetite for aquatic vegetation.
In Central Florida, apple snail eggs typically appear during the warmer months, particularly in spring and summer. The eggs have a neurotoxin in them. So, don’t touch and they carry the rat lung worm parasite. They are dangerous if eaten raw.
This is when the temperature and humidity are conducive to their reproduction and egg-laying behavior. Keep an eye out for these distinctive egg masses on plants and other surfaces near freshwater habitats during these seasons.
The presence of invasive apple snails can impact local ecosystems and agricultural areas, posing challenges for native species and agricultural management.
The white cluster of eggs you see has already hatched. The pink ones will hatch within two weeks.
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