The Biology and Trematode Parasites of the GastropodLittorina Neritoides(L.) on the Plymouth Breakwater

Abstract

An account is given of the distribution, life history and trematode parasites of Littorina neritoides on the Plymouth Breakwater; a few observations from other localities are included.The smaller snails are most abundant on the exposed southern slopes of the Breakwater. Many of the larger ones live more or less permanently in water in small cylindrical pits on the top of the Breakwater. This habitat is apparently very similar to that described by Fischer-Piette (1932) as occupied permanently by this species at Cap Martin; Lebour (1935) has sometimes found it in water in other places in the Plymouth area.The conditions necessary for metamorphosis of the larvae, the need of the adults for shelter from the force of the waves, and the requirements for spawning appear to be of more importance in determining the choice of habitat than the negatively geotactic and varying phototactic responses found in this species by Fränkel (1927).The breeding season lasts from September to April. The males are ripe about two months before most of the females. Experimental evidence is given which makes it most improbable that there is any downward migration for spawning. From the examination of plankton samples it appears that there is a fortnightly spawning rhythm coincident with high tides, and that even the snails living in water discharge their eggs only at these periods.The distribution of the size groups is discussed. The proportion of males decreases significantly in the larger size groups and it is probable that there is a difference in the growth-rate of the sexes.