Field and experimental evidence of preferential selfing in the freshwater mollusc Lymnaea truncatula (Gastropoda, Pulmonata)

Abstract

We have conducted a thorough study of the mating system of Lymnaea truncatula, the intermediate host of the liver fluke, using three approaches: (i) a population genetics study, (ii) controlled pairings in the laboratory and (iii) a progeny-array analysis. The population genetics study revealed high levels of inbreeding in the studied populations, with strong clues that the extensive heterozygote deficiencies observed are due to selfing. However, Wahlund effects may also arise due to recolonisations from different source populations after bottleneck events. A breeding experiment helped to disentangle the mating system and the Wahlund effects, and showed that high levels of selfing occurred in isolation and in controlled pairings. However, the progeny-array analysis performed after a high-density culturing of the snails suggests that substantial outcrossing may also occur.