On the use of a gastropod, Bellamya bengalensis (Lamarck) as food by the local rural population in the Patamda block, East Singbhum, Jharkhand

Amrita  Dutta* & M.C. Mahata
Deptt. of Zoology, Ranchi University, Ranchi, Jharkhand, India
Received 25th December, 2009; Revised 28th February, 2010

Abstract : The species Bellamya bengalensis is a commonly occurring species of gastropod in the permanent ponds of Patamda, E.Singbhum, Jharkhand. The local population has been long ago engaged in the fishing and fleshing out Bellamya spp. and using the flesh as food as well as to some extent  in medical pratice. Shelled out flesh is sold in local village markets or ‘haats’ .

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