Bulinus truncatus

Bulinus truncatus is a freshwater snail with the widest distribution of all Bulinus species. It is found across much of Africa, the near east and the Mediterranean.

The mollusc is very important for Africa as it acts as an intermediate host for schistosome parasites that cause the disease schistosomiasis in both humans and animals.

B. truncatus is found in flowing or standing fresh water and in:

dams
other man-made lakes
irrigation systems

Species detail

The Bulinus snail’s shell shape varies widely. Variation occurs in:

the height of the spire
the form of the columellar margin
the size of the umbilicus

Distribution and Ecology

Bulinus truncatus is widely distributed in Africa, but has also been found in parts of Europe and Asia. Find out where.
Biology

Discover how molecular techniques are helping Museum scientists explore this snail’s reproductive forms.
Behaviour

Bulinus truncatus is a host for the schistosome worm that causes schistosomiasis. Find out more.
References

Get more information on Bulinus truncatus.

Images

A Bulinus truncatus snail from Nyanguge in Tanzania.

The shell of Bulinus truncatus.

Paired, adult male and female Schistosoma haematobium worms, the agents of urinary schistosomiasis in Africa (composite photograph).

Histopathology of schistosomiasis haematobia

Histopathology of bladder shows the eggs of Schistosoma haematobium.

The life cycle of Schistosomiasis

African snail shells from the Bulinus genus

A collection of shells of species from the Bulinus genus involved in the life cycle of blood flukes of the genus Schistosoma which gives rise to the disease Schistosomiasis in humans.

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