Principal source: Carlton, J.T.1992. Introduced Marine and Estuarine Mollusks of North America: An end-of-the-20th Century Perspective. Journal of Shellfish Research, Vol. 11 No.2, 489-505.
\r\nCohen, A. N. 2005 Guide to the Exotic Species of San Francisco Bay. San Francisco Estuary Institute, Oakland, CA. www.exoticsguide.org.
\r\nScheltema, R.S. 1964. Feeding habits and growth in the mud-snail Nassarius obsoletus. Chesapeake Science. Vol.5, No. 4, 161-166.
Compiler: National Biological Information Infrastructure (NBII) & IUCN/SSC Invasive Species Specialist Group (ISSG)
Review: Dr. James (Jeb) Byers, Assistant Professor, Dept. of Zoology, Department of Zoology University of New Hampshire. USA
Publication date: 2008-03-27
Recommended citation: Global Invasive Species Database (2024) Species profile: Ilyanassa obsoleta. Downloaded from http://www.iucngisd.org/gisd/species.php?sc=1321 on 02-11-2024.
The invasive N. obsoletus preys on the eggs and larvae of the endemic C. californica and as a result, C. californica is restricted to small habitats unsuitable to N. obsoletus. Seasonal migration of these two species has demonstrated that their competition is a recurring problem and not an isolated incident. The invading eastern mudsnail has been found in other Pacific locations but its ecological effects have yet to be evaluated. It is believed to be transported along with Atlantic oysters, the eastern mudsnail poses a threat to new habitats and should be monitored (Race, 1982).
I. obsoleta is also host to several trematode species including one that causes swimmers itch.