Pomacea paludosa (Florida Apple Snail) Reproduction in Restored and Natural Seasonal Wetlands in the Everglades

Abstract

Seasonal wetlands have high variability in the timing, depth, and duration of flooding. The timing of hydroperiod relative to reproduction may be especially critical since reproductive timing may be constrained by other factors. Pomacea paludosa (Florida apple snail) is a large, aquatic snail that tolerates a range of hydroperiods. This study compared P. paludosa reproduction in depressions in natural (N = 20) and restored (N = 60) seasonal wetlands (wet 6 to 8 months) in the southern Everglades for five years. The total number of egg clusters in a year ranged from 260 to 621. Restored sites always had fewer egg clusters per year (mean±standard error of 54.6 ± 4.8 to 64.2 ± 23.1) compared to a natural site (207.0 ± 38.4). Peak oviposition occurred after the onset of the wet season, typically in July, and then decreased approximately two months later even though similar surface water levels occurred. Compared to long hydroperiod wetlands, the average number of eggs per cluster was lower and reproductive timing shifted from the non-rainy/dry season to early wet season. A combination of hydrological characteristics appeared to influence the timing and amount of oviposition. Moreover, functionality of seasonal wetlands in the southern Everglades may change depending upon cumulative hydrological conditions over several years.