Growth and reproduction in the land snail Allopeas gracile (Hutton 1834): a laboratory appraisal

The growth and reproduction of the graceful awl snail Allopeas gracile (Hutton 1834) (Gastropoda: Subulinidae) were evaluated in the laboratory. Observations on single individual and multiple individuals showed similar growth pattern fitted with the von Bertalanffy growth model. A fecundity schedule of the snail was constructed using the daily reproductive outputs of the snails in cohort and in isolated state. The net reproductive rate (R-0) and the finite rate of increase (lambda) of single individuals (R-0 = 124.33 +/- 14.67 SE, lambda = 1.03 +/- 0.003 SE) were lower than the individuals reared in cohort (R-0 = 774.55 +/- 147.49 SE, lambda = 1.115 +/- 0.006 SE). The generation time (T-c) of individuals in competition was 107.89 +/- 7.92 SE days, while single individuals had longer generation time of 199.39 +/- 7.24 SE days. The longevity, the shell size and the shell length, body weight and the fecundity of A. gracile exhibited correspondences as well as provided evidences of the tradeoff in the life history traits. Information on the growth and reproduction of the snail A. gracile will therefore be suitable to assess the life history feature and serves as an input for framing the strategies for its population regulation.

Automated summary

The growth and reproduction of the Allopeas gracile snail were evaluated in the laboratory. The study found that the growth pattern of both single and multiple individuals followed the von Bertalanffy growth model. The reproductive output and generation time differed between single individuals and those reared in a cohort. The findings highlight the tradeoff in life history traits and provide useful information for population regulation strategies.