Chemical composition and structure of the shell of Cepaea vindobonensis (Férussac, 1821) (Gastropoda: Pulmonata: Helicidae)

Dominika Mierzwa

doi:10.12657/folmal.016.002

Abstract

The paper contains analysis of chemical structure and composition of shell of Cepaea vindobonensis (Fer.) from Bychawa (SE. Poland), combined with a parallel assessment of the composition of the substratum. The results show suitability of SEM and EDS methods for such studies and are preliminary to a wider study on the effect of substratum on the shell, distribution and population abundance of the species.

Highlights

Cepaea vindobonensis (Férussac, 1821) is a south-eastern European species, usually found in dry, insolated habitats with a high calcium-content in the substratum (RIEDEL 1954, 1988, OGO 2004, POKRYSZKO et al 2004, WIKTOR 2004); it appears to be stenoecious
Though the main component of terrestrial snail shell is calcium carbonate, it can contain an array of other compounds
The aim of the study was a chemical and structural analysis of shells originating from a site of known chemistry of the substratum, in order to assess the suitability of SEM and EDS methods for such analyses

Summary

Introduction

Cepaea vindobonensis (Férussac, 1821) is a south-eastern European species, usually found in dry, insolated habitats with a high calcium-content in the substratum (RIEDEL 1954, 1988, OGO 2004, POKRYSZKO et al 2004, WIKTOR 2004); it appears to be stenoecious. The shell chemical composition and structure can be affected both by conditions in which it is built and by the chemistry of the substratum (DIGBY 1968, JORDAENS et al 2007); the substratum composition may affect the condition and abundance of snail populations. It is preliminary to a wider study on the effect of substratum on the shell, distribution and, possibly, population abundance of the species

Objectives

Methods

Results