On 23 July 2003, a new, previously unreported, molluscan species Lithoglyphus naticoides (gravel snail) was found in the benthos of Lake Lukomskoe, Belarus. As Dreissena polymorpha (zebra mussel) is also present, Lithoglyphus naticoides is the second Ponto-Caspian species recorded in this waterbody. Previous long-term observations on benthos and L. naticoides abundance data obtained in 2003-2005 imply that this species appeared in the lake in approximately 2000 and that currently its population is growing. We review available information on distribution of the snail in both Belarus and in adjacent countries and also discuss possible invasion pathway into Lake Lukomskoe.
Aquatic Invasions (2006) Volume 1, Issue 3: 161-170