First Record of the Invasive Mollusk Mieniplotia scabra in South Korea

Abstract

Invasive alien species are one of the five primary drivers of global biodiversity loss. This study aimed to document the first record of Mieniplotia scabra in South Korea aquatic ecosystems, discovered during the nationwide survey on the habitat status of invasive alien species. The Jukdang Stream in Icheon, Gyeonggi Province is a well-known habitat for various artificially released tropical ornamental fish due to the heated effluent discharge from a large semiconductor factory. A total of five specimens of M. scabra were collected from Jukdang Stream in Icheon, Gyeonggi Province, a well-known habitat for various artificially released tropical ornamental fish. The specimens were visually distinguished from native freshwater snails by their distinct dark red striped patterns and well-developed spines on the ribs. Genetic analysis, which was performed to verify the morphological characteristics, clearly confirmed that the species to be M. scabra. With its remarkable parthenogenetic reproductive ability and high environmental adaptability, M. scabra is likely to outcompete native species and possibly suppress their populations if it spreads further in the aquatic ecosystems of the country. Additionally, the species poses a significant health risk as a known intermediate host of the intestinal fluke Haplorchis taichui, which causes symptoms resembling to irritable bowel syndrome in humans. To confirm the establishment of M. scabra in South Korea, further monitoring of similar habitats with heated effluent inflow is necessary, and special precautions must be taken to avoid its consumption, since it could easily be mistaken for native snails.