Reproduction and growth of Xerolenta obvia (Menke, 1828) (Gastropoda: Eupulmonata: Geomitridae) in laboratory conditions

Abstract

Laboratory observations made it possible to ascertain some life cycle parameters of Xerolenta obvia. The eggs are laid in clutches of 15–65 (mean 32) or rarely singly; they are partly calcified, milky white, oval or almost spherical, with a mean size of 1.37×1.46 mm; time to hatching is 11 to 28 days (mean 18); hatchlings have shells of 1.5–2.0 whorls (mean 1.7); hatching success is ca. 57%. Sexual maturity (first egg) is reached by snails at 4.25–5.2 whorls (mean 4.85) within 290–660 days. The average life span is two years. Neither uniparental reproduction nor egg or sibling cannibalism was observed. The life-history traits of X. obvia are compared with some xerophilous species of similar size. KEy words: Geomitridae; land snails; life history; growth rate; xerophilous snails