Hemolymph osmoregulation and urea retention in the woodland snail, Anguispira alternata (say) (endodontidae)

Abstract

1. 1. Mantle water storage in Anguispira alternata snails depressed elevations in hemolymph osmolality during dehydration. 2. 2. Osmolality of non-urea solutes was not regulated during dehydration. 3. 3. During rehydration, urea that accumulated during dormancy was rapidly excreted, while that retained helped minimize changes in total hemolymph osmolality. 4. 4. Seasonal variations in water content, osmolality and hemolymph urea concentration were detected in field animals.