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.