First record of the invasive exptoc snail melanoides tuberculata (Gastropoda: Thiaridae) in San Luis Potosí, Mexico [Primer registro del caracol viajero invasor Melanoides tuberculata (Gastropoda: Thiaridae) en San Luis Potosí, México]

Background: The species red-rimmed melania Melanoides tuberculata Müller, 1774 is native to Asia and Africa. Due to the aquarium trade, its worldwide distribution has widely increased. In Mexico, its presence in the wild has been documented since 1973 in different Mexican states. Goals: Document the first record of the presence of the species in the state of San Luis Potosí. Methods: During 2015 - 2018, different perennial water bodies were sampled in San Luis Potosí, and the presence or absence of the species was recorded. Photographic images of the exotic snail were taken for taxonomic identification and specimens collected in the study were deposited at the Colección Nacional de Moluscos - Instituto de Biología (UNAM). Results: On June 16, 2017, some individuals were found in an area near the town of San Francisco de Asís, municipality of Rioverde. Conclusions: This study contributes to the knowledge of the dispersal of the exotic red-rimmed melania in Mexico and is the first record of its presence in the state of San Luis Potosí. We consider that the current incidence of the exotic snail in the state is low. Because of its high dispersion potential, however, it could be a risk for native aquatic fauna, considering its role as an intermediate host of parasitic diseases of wild bird and fish species. © 2018 Universidad Autonoma Metropolitana. All rights reserved.

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