Combined effects of air temperature, photoperiod and humidity on Otala tingitana snails’ breeding (Mollusca, Gastropoda, Helicidae)

ABSTRACT This study investigates the reproduction of Otala tingitana (Paladilhe, 1875) snails collected from El Hajeb region (Morocco) after aestivation and reared in transparent containers under eight different combinations of air temperature, relative humidity (RH), and photoperiod [hours of light (L) and darkness (D)]. Biomass change was used to evaluate the growth of the snails. Mating, egg-laying, and hatching were monitored to assess reproduction rate in different artificial conditions. Animals that were reared under a combination of (20°C, 50% RH, 16L-8D) showed improved mating frequency, whereas the best breeding yield and reproduction rate were obtained with a combination of 20°C, 80% RH, and 16L-8D photoperiod. Except for one condition in which inhibition of laying was recorded (15°C, 50% RH, 16L-8D), O. tingitana snails showed high plasticity regarding the environmental factors tested. However, in all combinations used, none of the parameters was a limiting factor; instead, we suggest that the interaction between the three parameters modulates snail growth and reproduction. Overall, for the first time this study examined experimental evidence about the effect of environmental factors on the reproduction of Otala tingitana, thereby defining the optimal combination of temperature, humidity, and photoperiod for improved breeding of this species.