Impact of a Rhabditid Nematode on Survival and Fecundity of Cernuella virgata (Mollusca: Helicidae)

Abstract

Pairs and single adults of the terrestrial snail Cernuella virgata were exposed to various densities of the rhabditid isolate R954 during breeding experiments in the laboratory. Fecundity and viability of C. virgata breeding in nematode-free and in nematode-infested soil was compared. Exposure to R954 significantly reduced the number of eggs produced by C. virgata and the survival of adult snails. Differences in nematode densities (50, 100 and 150 nematodes cm-2) had no effect on egg production or snail survival. Snail eggs laid during the breeding experiments were fertile and young hatched after 2-3 weeks. R954 was not able to penetrate eggs of C. virgata but nematodes were observed inside the hatchlings and caused high mortality.