Brood protection in the stenoglossan gastropodBullia melanoides(Deshayes)

Abstract

Two individuals of the stenoglossan gastropod Bullia melanoides were found carrying egg capsules. In one, 33 capsules contained up to four early embryos; in the other, three capsules remained attached each containing one or two fully formed miniature adults. This species exhibits a form of brood protection in which the expanded foot is folded around the egg capsules to form a tubular brood pouch, and this habit is associated with the animals' occurrence on disturbed surf beaches on the tropical west coast of India.