Interaction of Photoperiod,Grouping and Isolation in Female Reproduction of Lymnaea stagnalis

Summary

A study was made of the effects of the photoperiod on female reproductive activities in grouped and isolated specimens of the hermaphrodite freshwater snail Lymnaea stagnalis. Isolation of snails rapidly increased (< 3 days) egg production. The effect was long-lasting, and was probably caused by deprivation of copulation. Changes of photoperiod had similar effects in isolated and grouped snails. Compared to the effects of isolation, the photoperiodic effects were relatively slow in appearing (> 14 days). In comparison with a medium day (MD) (12 hr light/12 hr dark), a long day (LD; 16 hr light/8 hr dark) stimulated egg production whereas a short day (SD) (8 hr light/16 hr dark) lowered egg production. The LD effects were clearer in grouped than in isolated snails, but SD effects were clearer in isolated than in grouped snails. It is argued that the effects of grouping, isolation and photoperiod on egg production are mediated by the neuroendocrine system. It is suggested that the photoperiod plays an important role in the control of the egg laying season. Mating is probably important in the control of fecundity in relation to population density.