Ecological Risk Screening Summary - Quilted Melania (Tarebia granifera) - High Risk

Species that are considered high risk have a well-documented history of invasiveness in at least one location globally, and a high or medium climate match to the contiguous United States.

Asia and Oceania regions. It can be found in a variety of aquatic habitats, from small springs to large rivers, lakes, and estuaries, and feeds mostly on filamentous algae. T. granifera reproduces primarily by parthenogenesis with occasional sexual reproduction. The History of Invasiveness for T. granifera is classified as High because established populations of T. granifera have been found outside of its native range and there are several documented negative impacts from these introductions, including extirpation of native snails, infrastructure fouling, and river eutrophication via increased nitrogen concentrations. Most introductions have been attributed to the aquarium trade, including in the United States, and three U.S. States regulate possession, collection, transport, or aquaculture of this species (Arkansas, Colorado, and Utah). The Overall Climate Match to the contiguous United States is classified as High, with High matches in the Southern region up to the southern Midwest region of the United States. The Certainty of Assessment for this ERSS is classified as High because information is readily available on the biology, ecology, distribution, and impacts of introduction of T. granifera. The Overall Risk Assessment Category for Tarebia granifera in the contiguous United States is High.