Food of the Liguus

Photos of tree snail host tree and examples of stunted growth
Photo page No. 16

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Typical host tree, Wild Tamarind (Lysiloma latisiliqum), showing
lichens and confervoid algae growths (white patches) on limbs and trunk

Hammocks having a numerous and stable population of Liguus
contain trees whose trunks evidence "polished" bark due to the
constant radular scraping of the feeding Liguus.

Liguus growth showing normal and stunted growth

Both shells are of the same age, as confirmed by counting the growth
arrest varices. The larger shell is from a hammock having favored host trees
and rich in "snail" foodstuffs. The smaller shell is from a nearby hammock
having less favored trees and very poor in lichens and algae growth.

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