Anomalies in Achatina fulica collected in the municipality of Valença, Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil

Abstract

This is the first report on the occurrence of anomalies found in Achatina fulica in the municipality of Valença, Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil. 200 specimens were collected, quantified for the presence of anomalies, measured and photographed. The animals showed anomalies in the cephalopodal mass, labial palps and tentacles. An anomalous shell was also found in this region. The causes of the deformities were not identified. To better understand them, additional studies on the on-site animal ecology, pathological analyses of the altered structures and molecular investigation are needed.