Temperature dependent variations of life history traits of the land snail Allopeas gracile (Hutton, 1834) (Gastropoda: Subulinidae)

The ambient temperature of the environment influences the life history features of the land snails, thereby affecting the life history strategies. With the temperature being a reliable indicator of the seasonal changes, an attempt to explore the variations in the life history strategies of the pest snail Allopeas gracile (Hutton, 1834) (Gastropoda: Subulinidae) was carried out under four constant temperature grades - 15 degrees C, 20 degrees C, 30 degrees C and 35 degrees C (+/- 1 degrees C) temperatures throughout with laboratory temperature as controlled environment. The snail A. gracile was unable to complete their life cycle at 15 degrees C and 20 degrees C, without reaching reproductive maturity. In contrast, A. gracile maintained at laboratory temperatures (range 25-29 degrees C) exhibited long life span, longer reproductive period and longer generation time. However, the reproductive rate was highest at temperature 30 degrees C. Perhaps, the warmer environment facilitated rapid growth, fast onset of reproduction with larger body size at early age. At a constant higher temperature of 35 degrees C a state of inactivation was imposed when growth and reproduction became static. Apparently, the expression of the life history traits of A. gracile was supportive of an invasive nature, at a temperature ranging between 25 degrees C and 35 degrees C.

Automated summary

The ambient temperature of the environment has a significant impact on the life history features and strategies of land snails. In a controlled laboratory experiment, it was found that low temperatures hindered reproductive maturity while higher temperatures promoted higher reproductive rates. However, extremely high temperatures led to growth and reproductive stagnation. Overall, a temperature range of 25 to 35 degrees Celsius supported the invasive nature of the snail's life history traits.