GROWTH, MORTALITY, AND FEEDING RATES OF THE SNAIL HELIX ASPERSA AT DIFFERENT POPULATION DENSITIES IN THE LABORATORY, AND THE DEPRESSION OF ACTIVITY OF HELICID SNAILS BY OTHER INDIVIDUALS, OR THEIR MUCUS

Abstract

When reared at high densities, young Helix aspersa show less shell growth, even if waste products are removed. They also feed less, and show increased mortality. It is suggested that these effects are linked to reduced activity. Juveniles show reduced activity in the presence of adults or their mucus. Mucus of adult Cepaca nemoralis also depresses the activity of both adult and young Helix and Cepaea.