Snail Identification - Ask Extension
I am curious: What type of snails are these? I see through online research that there is something called a Chinese Mystery snail. Is that what these ...
Knowledgebase
Snail Identification #928862
Asked April 19, 2026, 11:45 AM EDT
I am curious: What type of snails are these? I see through online research that there is something called a Chinese Mystery snail. Is that what these are? I took these photos in the fall of 2025. I also see these shells floating in the water after our lake is sprayed with herbicides to control native water plants. Thank you for your time.
Lenawee County Michigan
Expert Response
Yes, these appear to be Chinese or Japanese mystery snails. Both are non-native, appear similar, and are established in Lenawee County or nearby in Toledo.
The website below includes more information about these species and their locations in Michigan lakes.
https://nas.er.usgs.gov/queries/greatLakes/SpeciesList.aspx?SpeciesCategory=5&Species_ID=&Genus=Cipangopaludina&Species=&x=9&y=21
The website below includes more information about these species and their locations in Michigan lakes.
https://nas.er.usgs.gov/queries/greatLakes/SpeciesList.aspx?SpeciesCategory=5&Species_ID=&Genus=Cipangopaludina&Species=&x=9&y=21
