Laboratory assessment of growth and reproduction of Lissachatina fulica (Gastropoda: Achatinidae)

Abstract

Despite Lissachatina fulica being a pest of agricultural and ornamental plants in the worldwide tropics for more than 100 years, information on its biology is limited. In this study, 360 snails were reared in the laboratory from a colony collected from the wild (non-native) population in Miami-Dade County, Florida, and were monitored for growth (height and mass) and egg production for up to 930 d. Snails averaged 195 d old and 97 mm in height when egg laying was initiated. Though the average snail peristome thickness was lower (0.1 mm) before eggs were first laid than after (0.4 mm), peristome thickness was inconsistent in predicting full reproductive maturity. Egg production averaged 4,698 eggs per snail and egg viability averaged 49% in the first 540 d after hatching. Oviposition without mating was shown to be possible, but occurred rarely (3% of snails) and with lower viability rates and smaller clutch sizes. The ability to oviposit without mating and the high reproductive rates found in this study indicate that eradication efforts addressing new infestations must be complete, because even one snail may start another population.