First report of Ferrissia wautieri and Physa acuta in Taihu Lake of China

The snail species Ferrissia wautieri MIROLLI 1960 and Physa acuta DRAPARNAUD 1805 (both Pulmonata, Basommatophora) were found in waters near Huzhou city and Wulihu bay near Wuxi city, respectively, during a three months investigation of the macrozoobenthic living communities in the Taihu Lake, China. These are the first records of those snails in the Taihu Area, which are believed as two invasive species in this water. Both snail species are known for having introduced in different regions worldwide and have been able to colonise some areas successfully. This was possible because both species have a wide tolerance towards abiotic factors and their changes. This fact facilitates their distribution and successful colonisation of new areas. Description, biology and origin of these species, as well as potential impact to the aquatic ecosystems are discussed.