Diversity and abundance of terrestrial molluscs and their associated nematode fauna in urban kitchen gardens in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Abstract

Terrestrial molluscs can become agricultural pests and transmit parasites, playing an important role in different biological communities. In the present study, we evaluated the diversity and abundance of this group in two horticultural areas in Rio de Janeiro (Manguinhos and Jacarepaguá neighborhoods), as well the presence of parasitic nematodes associated with these molluscs. We collected specimens in the austral spring and summer, with four sites being sampled within each study area, including malabar spinach, sweet potato, chicory greens, and cassava plantations, and one site in an adjacent, non-cultivated area. We collected a total of 522 live mollusc specimens and identified 16 species from 10 different families. The greatest abundance of molluscs was recorded in summer (363) and at Jacarepaguá (309). Overall, 174 (57%) of the 303 specimens analyzed parasitologically were positive for nematodes. Larvae of superfamily Metastrongyloidea, which includes nematodes that are a concern for public health and veterinary medicine, were found parasitizing the slug Sarasinula linguaeformis, in Manguinhos. Our results contribute to understanding of the diversity of terrestrial molluscs occurring in kitchen gardens in the city of Rio de Janeiro, and provide important insights for generating subsidies for health education actions and control of parasitic diseases transmitted by them.