Reproduction

Reproduction in Ramshorn snails is very interesting and unique. Ramshorn snails are hermaphrodites, which means each snail has both sexes present. This is true for all pulmonates in general. They can either be fertilized themselves or else they can fertilize another snail (Norton, 2004). Self fertilization is rarely seen but can be important if the snail population is going through harsh times. They fertilize other snails via sexual intercourse. They lay their eggs in the ground or under logs and they are laid in clusters. Also these snails have direct development which means there is no larval stage present and the egg and adult are pretty much identical besides their size (Hickman, 2009).

Now check out some fun facts that you may not have known about this snail!

This picture shows copulation between two ramshorn snails. Photo courtesy of Discoverlife.org