Observations on the growth and life table estimates of the slug Mariaella dussumieri (L. Pfeiffer, 1855) (Gastropoda: Ariophantidae)

Abstract

The life history features of the pestiferous slug Mariaella dussumieri (L. Pfeiffer, 1855) (Gastropoda: Ariophantidae) were studied in the laboratory. The growth and reproduction of M. dussumieri were studied using multiple cohorts of juveniles hatching from the eggs of field-collected and laboratory-reared individuals. About 18 out of 215 hatchlings survived to sexual maturity with a maximum life span of 401 days. The growth pattern was assessed for compliance with the von Bertalanffy growth equation for body weight, expressed as BWt = 9*(1-exp-0.09(t-0.11)). At the juvenile stage, mortality of the studied slugs was high and growth was rapid. However, when the individuals attained sexual maturity, growth slowed down and mortality decreased. The post oviposition period was very short, indicating semelparity. The characteristic life history features exhibited by M. dussumieri reflected its adaptation as a pestiferous slug.