Galba truncatula(Gastropoda, Lymnaeidae): First findings on populations showing a single annual generation in lowland zones of central France

Abstract

Three-year investigations were carried out in three populations of Galba truncatula to study their dynamics throughout the year when there was a single annual generation for the snail. These communities were living in permanently watered habitats, on acid soil and in lowland zones. In the three cases, egg-laying occurred from the end of June to the beginning of October and was closely associated with the summer fall in level and speed of running water. The highest numbers of egg-masses were noted at the end of July and the beginning of August. Newborns which hatched from these egg-deposits showed a strong decrease of their number from July to October and this diminution continues up to next June (at 3.4 snails per m2 of habitat). Juvenile snails measuring ≤ 2 mm in height were observed up to the end of next March. Compared to single annual generations of G. truncatula studied by other authors in zones of higher elevation, the longer period of egg-laying must be related to the local climatic and hydrologic conditions which are more favourable in lowlands than in elevation. The strong decrease in the number of snails throughout the year and the presence of a few ≤ 2-mm high juveniles during winter months might be explained by the characteristics of running water in these permanent habitats. Indeed, the high level and the great speed of running water during most months of the year would have an effect upon the number and the growth of these snails by causing unfavourable conditions for their life.