madquapper, doesn't really look insectish to me. What did this mass feel like?

i'm pretty sure they're eggs of a snail. i'm not an expert, but the eggs of the apple snail seem like the one in your picture.

Here is a link that might be useful: Apple Snail Eggs

I'm not an expert either, not even CLOSE...but according to the google page you linked, these are more close to what is called Mystery Snail, which are actual species. Closely related to the Apple Snail.....good call for sure.