Hang On Baby
Posted by Christy on June 30, 2005
Q: We have a pond in our back yard. I was out there just now, and on one of our pond plants, an animal layed tiny pink eggs. The eggs are at the base of the plant just above the water level. What insect is responsible for laying these eggs? I live in Virginia. Thanks in advance for your help.
A: Boy, I had to really think about this one. I could vaguely remember seeing pink eggs, as you described, but couldn't think what had made them. After some thought I think now I know. I believe they've been laid by Apple Snails. These are quite large snails so you may have seen them in your pond. They're really a tropical or at least sub-tropical species but have been introduced into many areas of the world that don't get too cold in the winter. These snails lay their eggs just above the water line on plants and the eggs are a distinct pink color.
Take a look at this site - www.knowledgebank.irri.org
and see if this is what you're seeing. If not, get back to me and we'll try to find out for sure.
Thanks for asking.
John Wiessinger ( July 1, 2005)