Reproduction of Omalonyx matheroni (Gastropoda: Succineidae) under laboratory conditions

Abstract

The life histories of succineids have received relatively little attention. To evaluate life history characteristics of Omalonyx matheroni, we studied a Brazilian population (Reserva Particular do Patrimônio Natural Feliciano Miguel Abdala, in Caratinga, Minas Gerais, Brazil) under laboratory conditions. The aims of the present study were (1) to describe in detail an appropriate rearing method; (2) to investigate the effects of different temperature and photoperiod conditions; and (3) to assess the effects of self and cross-fertilization on the reproductive biology of these mollusks. We studied the oviposition site, the time to sexual maturity and the influences of photoperiod and temperature on reproductive parameters of O. matheroni reared under laboratory conditions. We tested three combinations of temperature and photoperiod, designated A, B and C (A: 25ºC, 24 hours of light; B: environmental conditions of temperature and photoperiod, characterized as follows: average máximum temperature=27.1ºC, average minimum temperature=18.3ºC, average day length=12.06 hours; and C: 25ºC, zero hours of light) and two rearing densities (I: isolated and G: grouped) on reproductive parameters (number of eggs per egg mass, number of unviable eggs per mass, egg mass incubation period, and duration of the hatching period). A total of 186 individuals and 565 egg masses were studied. Data were analyzed by Student’s t-test, two-way ANOVA and Chi-Square test. Eight generations were produced (March/2004-March/2006), from 35 field specimens, 91% of 3 197 eggs hatched. The time to sexual maturity was approximately three months for individuals reared in groups or in isolation (Student’s t-test: t=1.41, df=31, p=0.16); however, they differed significantly in weight (Student’s t-test: t=3.6, df=31, p<0.001). Regarding the influences of temperatura and photoperiod on reproductive parameters, under natural environmental conditions, individuals produced a greater number of eggs per mass (ANOVA: F2,573=84.15, p<0.001), with a longer incubation period (ANOVA: F2;559=170.05, p<0.001). The extreme photoperiod conditions of 24 hours of light or zero hours of light likely imposed stress and could be related to the significant reductions in the number of eggs per mass, and egg incubation period as well as the increased synchrony in egg hatching. No correlations were observed between the number of unviable eggs per mass and the temperature, photoperiod (ANOVA: F2,573=0.87, p=0.92) or rearing density (ANOVA: F1,573=0.21, p=0.64). Individuals reared in isolation under natural conditions produced more eggs per mass and did not presented any disadvantage with respect to the variables analyzed as compared to the animals reared in groups. These results indicate that O. matheroni can successfully reproduce by selfing. Rev. Biol. Trop. 60 (2): 553-566. Epub 2012 June 01.

Translated abstract

En vista de que las historias de vida de los Succineidae han recibido relativamente poca atención, se estudio una población de Omalonyx matheroni, de Brasil (Reserva Privada y Patrimonio Natural Feliciano Miguel Abdala, en Caratinga, Minas Gerais, Brazil), en condiciones de laboratorio. Los objetivos de este trabajo fueron: (1) describir una metodología para el cultivo en laboratorio de Omalonyx matheroni; (2) investigar los efectos de diferentes condiciones de temperatura y fotoperíodo en su cultivo y, (3) verificar los efectos de la autofecundación y de la fecundación cruzada en la biología reproductiva de estos moluscos. Se estudiaron 186 individuos y 565 masas de huevos. La edad de madurez sexual fue aproximadamente de tres meses, igual para los animales aislados que para los que estuvieron en grupo (Student’s t-test: t=1.41, df=31,p=0.16). En condiciones más cercanas a la naturaleza se presentaron más huevos por masa (ANOVA: F2,573=84.15,p<0.001) y un tiempo más largo de eclosión (ANOVA: F2,559=170.05, p<0.001). En condiciones más extremas, debido probablemente al estrés producido por las mismas, se observó una reducción en el número de huevos por masa, en el tiempo de incubación y una eclosión más sincrónica. No se encontró una correlación entre el número de huevos inviables y las condiciones de temperatura y fotoperíodo (ANOVA: F2,573=0.87, p=0.92) y la densidad de cultivo (ANOVA: F1,573=0.21, p=0.64). Animales en aislamiento se reprodujeron con éxito lo que muestra la capacidad que tiene O. matheroni para la autofecundación.