Reproduction

Though no specific information was mentioned about the reproduction of the Bluff Vertigo, the genus vertigo is summarized to be monoecious. (Pilsbury, 1939-1948)  Monoecious means that the snail has both the reproductive organs of a male and a female. The Vertigo genus is known to have a well developed penis with a shortened prostate, a smooth uterus, and a free oviduct. (Pilsbury, 1939-1948) Though the reproduction of the species or genus is not specified, the reproductive process of a land snail is known to be quite interesting. Land snails contain both male and female reproductive organs, and they are known to cross fertilize. In the cross fertilization process of land snails, sperm is ejaculated from a reproductive opening and injected into the uterus of the other snail. There, the ova are fertilized and eggs develop. The eggs are usually buried for means of protection. After the eggs are hatched tiny larva exist and they usually ingest their hatched egg shell in order to develop their own strong, protective, outer shell. In about 3 months the snails appear as small versions of the mature adult. (Encyclopedia Brittannica, 2011) In one year after birth land snails are considered to be mature and can start to reproduce.