メノウアフリカマイマイ (Achatina achatina) は、西アフリカの森林地帯に生息する大型の腹足類で、各国の中でも特にシェラレオネ、リベリア、コートジボワール、ガーナ、ナイジェリアで多く見られる。灰色の身体と、黄色、オレンジ、または黄褐色に黒の縞模様が入った円すい型の殻を持つ。この珍しい模様が名前の由来となっている。雌雄同体でオスとメス両方の生殖器を持っているため、「オス」「メス」という明確な区別はない。しかし、生殖器が発達していない子どもや亜成体を「オス」と考えることもできる。
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Achatina achatina
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giant-tiger-land-snail
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Animal Facts
The giant tiger land snail is the largest species of land snail in the world, with the largest individuals reaching a length and diameter of 30cm x 15cm.
Giant tiger land snails are threatened by habitat loss and over-hunting by humans.
In Ghana, giant tiger land snails are considered a delicacy and are often hunted for food.
The giant tiger land snail has been accidentally introduced to the USA and the Caribbean, where it is considered a pest.
Giant tiger land snails have mouthparts called 'radulae' that are covered in many tiny 'teeth' used to feed by rasping them against vegetation.