Distribution of a Newly Recorded Gastropod Species, Mainwaringia leithii (Gastropoda, Littorinidae), in Young, Rehabilitated Mangroves in China

Abstract

The species within the genusMainwaringiain Littorininae have been recognized as being strongly associated with mangroves; however, their abundance and distribution patterns in mangroves have rarely been reported. In this study, we reportedMainwaringia leithiispecimens collected from young, rehabilitated mangroves in Xiamen city as a newly recordedMainwaringiaspecies in China, based on their DNA barcoding and morphological taxonomy characteristics. The recruitment pattern of this species and its relationships with mangrove species in the early stage of mangrove rehabilitation were also investigated. The snails were mainly collected from the backsides of leaves and from some leaf nodes. Continuous sampling showed the rapid recruitment ofM. leithiifollowing mangrove rehabilitation, with a density up to 278 ind m–2in a 2.5-year-old mangrove site; however, declining densities were observed and snails were only occasionally collected at mangrove sites 4 years after rehabilitation.Aegiceras corniculatummangroves in shrub form could support a snail abundance higher than that supported byKandelia obovatamangroves of the same age. The present study suggests thatM. leithiicould be common in mangrove forests and that intensive changes in its assemblage occurs in the early stage of mangrove rehabilitation. Moreover, the recruitment ofM. leithiifollowing mangrove rehabilitation is related to the planting of different mangrove species. The spatio-temporal patterns ofM. leithiidistribution are likely owing to the variability in habitat characteristics related to mangrove species and stand age. Future studies should give more attention to the ecology of this species in mangrove forests.