RESEARCH PAPER
Reproductive biology and growth of two Vallonia species in laboratory conditions (Gastropoda: Eupulmonata: Valloniidae)
 
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1
Department of Invertebrate Systematics and Ecology, Institute of Biology, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Poland
 
2
Museum of Natural History, Wrocław University, Poland
 
 
Submission date: 2016-08-12
 
 
Final revision date: 2016-10-05
 
 
Acceptance date: 2016-10-09
 
 
Publication date: 2016-12-05
 
 
Corresponding author
Elżbieta Kuźnik-Kowalska   

Department of Invertebrate Systematics and Ecology, Institute of Biology, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Kożuchowska 5b, 51-631 Wrocław, Poland
 
 
Folia Malacol. 2016;24(4):265-273
 
KEYWORDS
ABSTRACT
Reproduction and growth of Vallonia pulchella (O. F. Müller) and V. costata (O. F. Müller) were studied in laboratory conditions. Their ellipsoid and singly laid eggs are among the smallest heavily calcified (mean size 0.68×0.67×0.52 and 0.69×0.67×0.54 mm in V. pulchella and V. costata, respectively). V. pulchella reached morphological maturity (lip completion) at 3.25–3.50 whorls (mean 3.35), 49 to 166 days after hatching (85). The first egg (sexual maturity) was laid at 3.25–3.50 whorls (3.35), 50–283 days after hatching (162). The life span ranged from 628 to 940 days (779), the time elapsing between the last egg and death was 12–184 days (111). In V. costata the lip was completed at 3.25–3.50 whorls (3.37), 42 to 183 days after hatching (120). The first egg was laid at 3.25–3.50 whorls (3.42), 131–290 days after hatching (193). The life span ranged from 360 to 841 days (709) and the time elapsing between the last egg and death was 11–692 days (210). The egg production rate and juvenile life span in individuals kept in isolation were the same as in those kept in pairs or larger groups. The growth pattern was similar in the two species: fast phase followed by slow phase. However, the formation of ribs on the shell surface of V. costata probably slowed down its growth rate. The life history traits shared by the two Vallonia species are determined growth, iteroparity, longevity and predominantly selfing reproductive mode. The greater lifetime fecundity, shorter incubation period, faster growth and longer life span predestine V. pulchella to be a better coloniser than V. costata.
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