Observations by jxd

Mating of sinistral x dextral snail with spherical shell is possible!

The third Helix aspersa offsprings - a pair of sinistral x dextral F0. Mating of sinistral and dextral snails with spherical shell is common according to the breeding of our station.

Last year, I confirmed that the sinistral mutation - left-handness - the snail Cornu aspersum is not a gametic. The offsprings are all right-handed, dextral. By it I left the left-handed snails and their right-handed descendants completely degraded scientifically and for breeding. I have already exceeded the 500th offspring since first offsprings. The seventh rearing. All offsprings are right-handed.

Last year, I confirmed that the sinistral mutation - left-handness - the snail Cornu aspersum is not a gametic. The offsprings are all right-handed, dextral. By it I left the left-handed snails and their right-handed descendants completely degraded scientifically and for breeding. I have already exceeded the 500th offspring since first offsprings. The seventh rearing. All offsprings are right-handed.

Mating of sinistral and dextral gastropoda is possible even in bulk shells

Earlier studies have shown that in the case of bulk shells, coupling of a sinistral x dextral individual is unlikely (Gittenberger, Margy, 2011. Asami, Cowie 1998). Therefore, we proceeded to the following breeding experiment: Three pairs of sinistral and dextral individual Helix aspersa / Cornu aspersum Muller, 1772 were isolated in three separate boxes on October 23, 2018. Still not in contact with other individuals.

18.11. In 2018, one sinistral individual died, the attempt was limited to two boxes.

10.12. In 2018 one of the boxes was found to be hatched.

These individuals can not yet be considered conclusive proof of the fruitful mating of the sinistral x dextral individual, since the effect of long-term stored sperm or autogenesis can not be ruled out. To fully demonstrate the reality, the experiment / breeding should be repeated over a longer period of time. Yet, thanks to rearing, it can be considered quite likely that a successful coupling can occur between the sinistral and dextral individual of the globulite shell.

Sources:

Asami, Takahiro, Cowie, Robert H. (1998).Evolution of Mirror Images by Sexually Asymmetric Mating Behavior in Hermaphroditic Snails. The American Naturalist 1998. DOI: 10.1086/286163

Gittenberger, E., Margy, C.J.P.J.(2011). Premating isolation reconfirmed in Arianta arbustorum (Linnaeus, 1758) (Gastropoda, Pulmonata, Helicidae). Basteria, vol. 75 (4-6), 2011, 57-58