Larval morphology of the brooding clam Lasaea adansonii (Gmelin, 1791) (Bivalvia, Heterodonta, Galeommatoidea)

The strongly modified mode of development of the small and brooding galeommatoid bivalve Lasaea adansonii (Gmelin, 1791) [syn. Lasaea rubra (Montagu, 1803)] has been studied by means of transmission and scanning electron microscopy and by fluorescent staining of the muscular system and of two neurotracers, FMRFamide and serotonin. In addition, two developmental stages were visualized using computer-aided 3D-reconstruction. All larval stages of L. adansonii lack ciliary rings. The apical organ appears invaginated: the base of the duct contacts the cerebral ganglia and opens on the preoral region. Larval protonephridia are lacking. The adult kidneys develop independently of the pericardial cavity and contain a protonephridial part that enables excretory function until the pericardium is formed. The larval muscular system is composed of smooth muscle fibers; striated fibers are lacking. Posteriorly and immediately below the ligament, a paired cell of unknown function is present that contains serotonin and FMRFamide. In summary, L. adansonii exhibits the direct mode of development. Only few truly larval structures (e.g., the modified apical organ) are elaborated.