Effects of temperature on respiration defensive behavior and locomotion of fresh water snail Lymnaea stagnalis

Temperature dependence of lung respiration, defensive behavior and locomotion of Lymnaea stagnalis snail was studied. At the temperature in the range of 4-6 degrees C the rates of locomotion and respiration were reduced (as compared to control temperature of 14-16 degrees C), whereas defensive reactions were much more intense. Vice versa, the temperature rise to 24-26 degrees C activates respiration and locomotion but inhibits defensive behavior. It is suggested that the observed changes in Lymnaea behavior result from temperature-dependent reactions of neurons underlying these activities.