Cepaea Vindobonensis Research Articles

Intrapopulation variation in shell morphological traits and banding polymorphism of the land snail Cepaea vindobonensis (Gastropoda; Pulmonata; Helicidae)

The main goal of this paper was to analyze intrapopulation variation of both morphological traits and shell banding polymorphism using the example of a continuous population (a metapopulation) of the land snail Cepaea vindobonensis (Férussac, 1821). A total of 14 samples of the land snail C. vindobonensis from a population located in the “Dubki” Park (Ukraine, Mykolayiv) were collected in May-July 2007. The land snail collection sites are divided into three areas by buildings and asphalt roads, indicated by the Latin letters A, B and C. The major diameter of shell (MJD), the minor diameter of shell (MID) and the shell height (SH) were measured with a digital calliper to the nearest 0.05 mm. Two shell shape indices (SF1 and SF2) were also computed. A high level of the intrapopulation variation of the land snail C. vindobonensis was found in our study. Significant differences between sample means were found for all shell traits and indices used (except for SF1), however, maximum difference was noted for SH and SF2 (in both cases: P ≤ 0.001). About 80% of the total variation of the variance-covariance matrix was explained by the 1st and 2nd Principal Components (PC1 and PC2). The PC1 was characterized by high positive factor loadings of MJD, MID and SH and thus can be interpreted as “shell size dimension” and the PC2 had a high correlation with SF2 and thus it can be interpreted as “shell globularity”. The PC1 and PC2 determined a high level of spatial differentiation of intrapopulation morphological variation of the land snail C. vindobonensis. Samples with small (area A) and large (areas B and C) shells were separated from each other according to the PC1. Areas B and C were characterized by individuals with flatness and globularity shells, respectively. The areas A, B and C differed significantly in the total number of morphs, average number of morphs and frequency of rare morphs (Kruskal-Wallis H-test; in all cases P ≤ 0.010). At the same time, the highest value of phenetic diversity was noted for samples collected within A and C areas. In general all phenetic diversity estimators showed a positive correlation with sample size (Spearman's correlation coefficient; in all cases P ≤ 0.05). It was found that the type of biotope did not likely affect the frequency of individual morphs with respect to the shell banding polymorphism pattern. With regard to the most common morphs two patterns of the spatial arrangement of the intrapopulation variation were found – clinal pattern was for the frequency of pallescens morph and chaotic pattern was for frequency of “12345” morph.

DISTRIBUTION AND POPULATION STATUS OF THE SPANISH SLUG IN ZHYTOMYR

In Zhytomyr, the Spanish slug was first discovered in 2018. The study found that the population of Spanish slugs in Zhytomyr occupied an area of 72670 m2. In all cases, numerous plants damage was recorded in the habitats of the Spanish slug. The slugs were located below the leaves and on the soil in the bush of ruderal species. In some cases, their presence could be established by the presence of orange slime on the leaves of the plants. In the study areas, other species of terrestrial molluscs occurred near the Spanish slug: Arion fasciatus (Nilsson, 1823), Arion fuscus (O. F. Müller, 1774), Limax maximus Linnaeus, 1758, Cepaea vindobonensis Ferussac, 1821 and Helix pomatia Linnaeus, 1758.Next year, the area occupied by this population increased to 92300 m2 at the expense of adjacent territories with favorable living conditions. Due to the fact that the spring of 2019 was quite cold, the slugs began to appear only in early May. As in the first population, other species of terrestrial molluscs occurred near the Spanish slug in the studied areas. In addition, a new population of 52790 m2 was discovered in 2019. That is, compared to 2018, the area covered by the invasion of Spanish slugs in Zhytomyr has doubled (145090 m2). Such high growth rates of the area occupied by the population of the Spanish slug, indicate its active settlement in the territory of Zhytomyr. In the near future, it is expected that it will appear in other biotopes suitable for the existence of this species in the city.

Intraspecific morphological variation of the sperm storing organ in two hermaphroditic land snail species

BackgroundPostcopulatory sexual selection is very important in species with reproductive strategies that involve multiple mating and prolonged sperm storage. The sperm storage organ has been hypothesized to evolve in response to different levels of sperm competition in several species while population density has been considered as a factor that approximates sperm competition risk and intensity in the field. Apart from population density, local microclimatic conditions may also play a role in determining sperm competition levels in natural populations of land snails by affecting their chances of encountering mates. The goal of this study was to investigate the variation of the structure of the sperm storage organ in the simultaneously hermaphroditic land snails Helix lucorum and Cepaea vindobonensis occurring sympatrically in two sites which differed in habitat humidity. The populations of both species from the two sites, also differed in density and in duration of reproductive period. Multiple samples were taken from each population in order to test for temporal variation.ResultsIn both species, the spermatheca consisted of a simple fertilization chamber and a variable number of lateral tubules. The length of the spermatheca showed no temporal or spatial differentiation nor did it show any correlation with snail size. The number of tubules in Helix lucorum ranged from five to sixteen and in Cepaea vindobonensis from one to eight and in both species a significant difference of this trait between the two study sites was detected. In Cepaea vindobonensis, the difference in tubule number led to difference of the total tubule length which reflects sperm storage capacity of the spermatheca but this was not the case with H. lucorum in which no increase in total tubule length was detected.ConclusionsIntraspecific variation in the spermatheca was observed in both snail species studied. The variation observed was independent of snail size, and reproduction status, while the two species responded differently to higher sperm competition levels.

Genetic Structure of Populations of Specially Protected Mollusk Cepaea vindobonensis (Mollusca, Gastropoda, Pulmonata) in the Northeastern Part of the Modern-Day Range

A research study on the population structure of relict and specially protected species Cepaea vindobonensis Fer. (Mollusca, Gastropoda, Pulmonata) in the conditions of the northeastern part of the modern- day distribution range is conducted with the use of allozymes and DNA markers. Groups with both high and low levels of genetic diversity are revealed. A high degree of differentiation in the studied populations (Fst = 0.231, Gst = 0.265, Φst = 0.261–0.263, Nm = 0.630–0.832) is noted, which indicates a disruption of migratory channels and prolonged isolation from each other. Calculation of the effective population size and its comparison to analogous indices for background and vulnerable species of terrestrial mollusks demonstrate a high level of viability of the C. vindobonensis population within the studied area.

The genetic structure of populations of specially protected mollusk Cepaea vindobonensis (Mollusca, Gastropoda, Pulmonata) in a north-eastern part of the modern area

Background. The population structure of relict and protected species Cepaea vindobonensis Fer. (Mollusca, Gastropoda, Pulmonata) in a north-eastern part of the modern area has been studied. State population gene pools (11 populations) for environmental activities need to be assessed. Materials and Methods. Using allozymes (esterases) and DNA markers (RAPD, ISSR) analysis was performed. The methods polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and the DNA in the agarose gel were used. Results. The populations with a low level of heterozygosity and high heterozygosity were identified. Group located in the east, did not differ in allelic diversity of the western groups. The average expected heterozygosity for allozyme He = 0,217 ± 0,080 and DNA markers He = 0,164 ± 0,024. However, the population of the Austrian snail in the study area is strongly separated from each other (Fst = 0,231, Gst = 0,265, Фst = 0,261-0,263, Nm = 0,630-0,832). The effective population size (Ne), calculated on the basis of the inbreeding coefficient, was level 0,868 ± 0,028 of the total population. The effective population size, calculated on the basis of the linear regression equation between genetic and geographic distance (Ne = 0,36-2,6) and calculated by a factor of subdivision of populations (Ne = 6,3 ± 0,1), in comparison with the effective size of the populations of common species of terrestrial mollusks was the same. Conclusion. Thus, on the basis of these data, in general, we can say, the Austrian population snails have a higher potential for life. However, the reduction of allelic diversity, the increase in the coefficient of inbreeding in some groups and a high level of isolation of populations of C. vindobonensis in the north-eastern part of the range is a concern and requires an adjustment in respect of environmental protection measures of this species.

Analysis of cytogenetic stability in natural populations of terrestrial mollusks (based on DNA comet assay)

Abstract-Alkaline gel electrophoresis of isolated cells (comet assay) was used to assess degree of nuclear DNA damage in populations of terrestrial mollusks Bradybaenafruticum Müll., Chondrula tridens Müll., Cepaea vindobonensis Fer., and Stenomphalia ravergieri Fer. living in the forest-steppe landscape of the southern part of the Mid-Russian Upland. Evidence of differences in the parameters studied was found. The age dynamics of the degree of damage of the genetic apparatus was observed. Possible causes of the identified differences are discussed.

Páskovka Cepaea vindobonensis (Pulmonata: Helicidae) v západních Čechách [The snail Cepaea vindobonensis (Pulmonata: Helicidae) in West Bohemia

Snail Cepaea vindobonensis (C. Pfeiffer, 1828) was recorded at two isolated localities in Marienbad and close to the village of Štítary in the foothills of the Český les Mts. (West Bohemia). While only a single specimen was recorded along a blind railway line near the railway station in Marienbad, the locality by Štítary hosts a rich viable population in rocky steppe vegetation with shrubs at a xeric south-facing steep slope. Further searches in Marienbad were not positive in 2012 and 2013. However, future research is needed to understand if the species occurrence was only accidental or if a stable population lives there. The site Marienbad represents the westernmost record throughout the entire species distribution area and also the location at the highest altitude in the Czech Republic.

Mollusc-based paleoecological investigations of the Late Copper — Early Bronze Age earth mounds (kurgans) on the Great Hungarian Plain

Abstract The malacological material of the mound bodies (kurgans) of the Great Hungarian Plain indicates a mixed vegetation of dry and humid environments, developed on a mosaic of alkaline and chernozem soils in the period of the construction of the kurgan. The malacofauna that evolved in the upper soil horizon of the mound indicates the extremely dry environmental conditions of steppes, charaterized by the dominance of thermoxerophilous species. Dominant species of this kurgan are Chondrula tridens, Helicopsis striata, Granaria frumentum and Cepaea vindobonensis. The species composition shows that there are differences in the malacofauna of the Danube-Tisa Interfluves region compared to that of the lowlands east of River Tisza, indicated by the higher dominance of Granaria frumentum and Helicopsis striata in the former region. Following the construction of the kurgans an island-like, dry habitat developed on their surface, covered by black soil and populated by a steppe fauna, the composition of which is comparable mostly with the mollusc fauna of loess steppes and forest steppe, irrespectively of the floodplain or wind-blown sand character of the original surface.

New data on the phylogeny ofAriantinae (Pulmonata,Helicidae) and the systematic position ofCylindrus obtususbased on nuclear and mitochondrialDNAmarker sequences

The phylogenetic relationships among genera of the subfamily Ariantinae (Pulmonata, Helicidae), especially the sister-group relationship of Cylindrus obtusus, were investigated with three mitochondrial (12S rRNA, 16S rRNA, Cytochrome c oxidase subunit I) and two nuclear marker genes (Histone H4 and H3). Within Ariantinae, C. obtusus stands out because of its aberrant cylindrical shell shape. Here, we present phylogenetic trees based on these five marker sequences and discuss the position of C. obtusus and phylogeographical scenarios in comparison with previously published results. Our results provide strong support for the sister-group relationship between Cylindrus and Arianta confirming previous studies and imply that the split between the two genera is quite old. The tree reveals a phylogeographical pattern of Ariantinae with a well-supported clade comprising the Balkan taxa which is the sister group to a clade with individuals from Alpine localities. Additional lineages representing samples from southern Alpine localities as well as from Slovakia split from more basal nodes, but their relationships are not clearly resolved. To achieve more definitive conclusions concerning the geographical origin of Ariantinae, still more sequence data are needed to obtain a tree with better resolution of basal nodes. The genetic data also provided new insights concerning the genus Cepaea, which was used as one of the outgroup taxa. Cepaea vindobonensis is only distantly related to Cepaea nemoralis and Cepaea hortensis, the latter two being more closely related to Eobania vermiculata. Thus, in our tree, the genus Cepaea is paraphyletic.

Chemical composition of shells of <i>Cepaea vindobonensis</i> (Férussac, 1821) (Gastropoda: Pulmonata: Helicidae) from localities with different substrata

1. Bojakowska I., Gliwicz T. 2003. Wyniki geochemicznych badań osadów wodnych Polski w latach 2000-2002. Wydawnictwo Naukowe Gabriel Borowski, Warszawa. Google Scholar

<i>Cepaea vindobonensis</i> (Férussac, 1821) (Gastropoda: Pulmonata: Helicidae) in Central, Northwestern and Western Poland

1. Abraszewska-Kowalczyk A., Kowalczyk J. K., Hejduk J., Przybylski M., Tuszewicki W. 2002. Świat zwierząt Brudzeńskiego Parku Krajobrazowego. Mantis, Olsztyn. Google Scholar

Columella structure in some snail species (Gastropoda: Pulmonata)

Three types of columella structure have been distinguished in shells of selected snail species (Laciniaria plicata (Drap.), Chondrula tridens (O. F. Mull.), Cepaea vindobonensis (Fer.), Helix lutescens (Rossm.), Viviparus contectus (Millet), V. viviparus (L.), Helicella obvia (Menke) and Planorbarius corneus (L.)); they are correlated with the way of coiling, growth and convexity of whorls.

New localities of Cepaea vindobonensis (Férussac, 1821) (Gastropoda: Pulmonata: Helicidae) in Wielkopolska (W Poland)

Cepaea vindobonensis (Férussac, 1821) is recorded from two new localities in the Wielkopolska region, W Poland. The sites are located outside the continuous distribution range of the species, probably as remains of its more numerous insular localities in the Warta river valley.

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

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.

Shell Banding Polymorphism inCepaea vindobonensisin Relation to Habitat in Southeastern Poland

We studied the frequencies of shell-banding variants of Cepaea vindobonensis (Férussac) in open, semi-open and shaded habitats in two geographically separate but climatically similar areas in southeastern Poland. The faint-banded phenotype was more frequent in open and semi-open habitats than in shaded areas. Within the dark-banded phenotype, those with missing bands were associated with open and semi-open habitats, and those with fusion of bands with shaded habitats. The feature most strongly associated with habitat type was the width of bands relative to the ground area. It was significantly higher in shaded habitats than in semiopen areas, in which it was significantly higher than in open habitats. Our study thus indicated the effect of local microclimatic selection on the frequencies of various phenotypes, resulting in light shells being more common in open habitats and dark shells in shaded areas. This association of shell characteristics with habitat type was more pronounced in the area where Cepaea vindobonensis inhabited more natural habitats and showed higher polymorphism.

Měkkýši NPR Strabišov – Oulehla u Litenčic (jižní Morava, Česká republika) [Molluscs of the Strabišov – Oulehla National Nature Reserve near Litenčice village (South Moravia, Czech Republic)

The paper presents an inventory of molluscan fauna of the Strabišov-Oulehla NNR near the village of Litenčice (South Moravia, Czech Republic). This is the first report concerning Mollusca of this reserve. Altogether 32 mollusc species have been recorded during years 2004-2005. Forest fringe vegetation, Carpathian Oak – Hornbeam forest, broad – leaved dry grassland and riparian vegetation- habitats were investigated. The species Cepaea vindobonensis, Xerolenta obvia, Granaria frumentum, Chondrula tridens, and Euomphalia strigella were recorded in broad-leaved dry grassland habitats, thermophilous oak forests and Carpathian Oak – Hornbeam forests which were inhabited by Monachoides incarnatus, Alinda biplicata, Merdigera obscura, Fruticicola fruticum, Limax cinereoniger, and Arion subfuscus, on the moister places Carychium tridentatum and Columella edentula was also found. The forest fringe vegetation was a habitat of Euomphalia strigella, Cepaea vindobonensis, Xerolenta obvia, and Helix pomatia; in riparian vegetation of the nameless tributary of the Litava River Trichia hispida, Helix pomatia, Monachoides incarnatus, Arion silvaticus, Laciniaria plicata, Cochlicopa lubrica were also recorded.

Príspevok k topografickému výskumu malakofauny okresu Levice [Contribution to the topographic malacological survey in the Levice District, SW Slovakia

The paper brings new information on mollusc distribution of Levice District in southern part of Central Slovakia. The data were obtained from 14 localities, which lie mainly in the vicinity of the Ipeľ River and southern slopes of Štiavnické vrchy Mts. Together 78 mollusc species (50 land species and 28 fresh-water species) were found. From 9 localities a litter sample from 1m² was analyzed for quantitative evaluation of snail assemblages. Malacocoenoses of thermophilous forest mollusc species were determined in the area of Štiavnické vrchy Mts. foothill (localities 2, 7, 8). The species Limacus flavus, Euconulus praticola, Pisidium amnicum and Unio crassus albensis are important from the viewpoint of nature conservation and geographical distribution. Carpathian species Bythinella austriaca, Vestia turgida, Bielzia coerulans and also European forest species Merdigera obscura reach the southern boundary of their natural area of occurrence. Typical for this region are malacocoenoses of xeric biotopes, composed from species of 4–6 ecoelement – Cecilioides acicula, Cepaea vindobonensis, Granaria frumentum, Chondrula tridens, Xerolenta obvia, Truncatellina cylindrica, Cochlicopa lubricella and Monacha cartusiana. High diversity was observed by freshwater malacocoenoses. Anodonta anatina attenuata, A. cygnea solearis, Unio tumidus zelebori, Radix ampla are typical for stagnant water biotopes (abandoned ‘paleopotamon’ side arms). In slow flowing waters of the Ipeľ River beside the common species also rare species like Anisus septemgyratus and Pisidium amnicum were detected. Interesting is also the occurrence of strong population of invasive species of Asian mussel Sinanodonta woodiana, which is known to infiltrate into a number of streams all around Slovakia.

Cepaea vindobonensis (Férussac,1821) in the Pieniny Mts

Cepaea vindobonensis (Férussac,1821) in the Pieniny Mts

Shell Temperature, Activity and Resistance to Desiccation in the Polymorphic Land Snail Cepaea Vindobonensis

Shell Temperature, Activity and Resistance to Desiccation in the Polymorphic Land Snail Cepaea Vindobonensis

FOOD PREFERENCES AND DIETARY OVERLAP BY TERRESTRIAL SNAILS IN LOGOS AREA (EDESSA, MACEDONIA, NORTHERN GREECE)

Among the five coexisting species of snail in Edessa (N. Greece), Bradybaena fruticum and Helix lucorum dominated in density and biomass in comparison with Xeropicta arenosa, Monacha cartusiana and Cepaea vindobonensis. Resting places of each species in relation to plant cover and diet preferences are examined seasonally and throughout a year. Discriminant analysis for the annual data showed that 83% of the snail group species could be differentiated by the plants on which they were attached. Each snail species was usually found sitting on one of the most abundant plants. Cepaea preferred to sit on and eat senescent material even in spring time and Bradybaena green material. In spring, the snails did not consume plant material in proportion to the occurrence of those plants but they usually did so in summer and in autumn. Hedera helix was not consumed even when it was abundant. In spring and autumn the snails had consumed plants to which they were found attached, but in summer they did not.