Detection of two species of non-indigenous freshwater snails in Arctic Siberia

Some species of freshwater gastropods, known for their adaptability and resilience, have gained attention globally as invasive species. However, to date, only one invasive population of freshwater snails has been documented beyond the Arctic Circle. In this study, we report the discovery of two non-indigenous species, Planorbella duryi (Wetherby, 1879) and Physella acuta (Draparnaud, 1805), north of 69°N in the Norilsk Industrial District (Central Siberia). Their identification was based on morphological features and COI gene sequences. Both species are native to the temperate and subtropical zones of North America and may have entered the Arctic Asian reservoirs through aquarium introductions. The distribution of these populations is constrained to areas affected by thermal pollution, and their further spread into pristine reservoirs of Northern Siberia is unlikely.