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Sperm allocation in the simultaneously hermaphroditic land snail Arianta arbustorum
1Department of Integrative Biology, Section of Conservation Biology (NLU), University of Basel
Animal Behaviour
|December 16, 1998
Summary
Land snails (Arianta arbustorum) do not adjust sperm transfer based on partner mating history or sperm received. This study found no evidence of sperm trading in this hermaphroditic species.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Biology
- Behavioral Ecology
- Evolutionary Biology
Background:
- Simultaneous hermaphrodites, like the land snail Arianta arbustorum, face unique reproductive challenges.
- Sexual conflict in hermaphrodites may be resolved through gamete trading, where partners exchange sperm.
- Gastropods with gametolytic glands and sperm storage are theoretically predicted to engage in sperm trading.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if Arianta arbustorum controls sperm number in spermatophores based on partner mating history.
- To determine if sperm expenditure is adjusted in response to the risk of sperm competition.
- To test for the occurrence of sperm trading in this hermaphroditic snail species.
Main Methods:
- Quantified sperm numbers transferred during mating in Arianta arbustorum.
- Correlated sperm transfer with partner's mating history and copulation duration.
- Assessed reciprocity of spermatophore and sperm transfer between mating partners.
Main Results:
- Sperm transfer numbers varied widely but were not influenced by partner's mating history or copulation duration.
- Sperm transfer was not correlated with the size of either the donor or recipient snail.
- While spermatophore transfer was reciprocal, the numbers of sperm exchanged were not correlated, indicating no sperm trading.
Conclusions:
- Arianta arbustorum does not adjust sperm expenditure based on partner mating history or potential sperm competition.
- Sperm trading does not appear to occur in this simultaneously hermaphroditic land snail.
- Findings suggest alternative mechanisms for resolving sexual conflict in this species.
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