A survey of terrestrial gastropods from central Maine

Abstract

Terrestrial gastropods were collected in central Maine from June to November 1971 to study their distribution, relative abundance, and habitat preferences. Gastropods were widespread, but not abundant. Thirty-five percent of the 1626 gastropods collected were slugs. Thirty-seven snail species, including eight slug species, were found. Discus cronkhitei and Zonitoides arboreus were the most commonly collected gastropods: Deroceras reliculatum and Pallifera dorsalis were the most common slugs. Snails (excluding slugs) were more abundant in the northwestern portion of central Maine, whereas slugs were more abundant in the southeastern portion. Slugs were significantly less abundant in coniferous forests than in deciduous or mixed forests, but snail numbers (excluding slugs) in the three forest types were not significantly different.