INVASION OF THE THIARID SNAIL Melanoides tuberculata (MOLLUSCA) IN A CONSERVATION AREA OF THE SEMIARID REGION OF BRAZIL

This paper records the invasive gastropod Melanoides tuberculata in a limnetic ecosystem located integral protection area semiarid region of state Paraíba northeast Brazil. Live individuals were collected and photographed along shallow margins Piranhas Reservoir associated with different types substrates. Photographic quadrants used to calculate number living empty shells on Individuals M. found at five sampling sites littoral zone substrates densities ranging 13 ind.(m2)-1 22 ind.(m2)-1. The average density was: 18 thin sediment, 15 gravel 20 rocks. Empty extremely abundant terrestrial reservoir. We did not observe native species freshwater molluscs marginal areas reservoir which specimens found. Knowledge about distribution, establishment impact caused ecosystems Brazilian semi-arid needs be better studied order ascertain degree environmental modifications that reflect negatively ecosystems.