Reproduction

Lymnaeid snails are hermaphrodites, which means they have both male and female reproductive organs and are able to self-fertilize if necessary, though finding a mate is preferable for genetic variation (EOL). The snails lay eggs, in which the embryonic offspring complete their development, emerging as miniature adults (EOL). In other words they have a direct life cycle with no larval stages. Their life cycle is strongly influenced by temperature. The typical range for reaching maturity is 9-15 months, though in warmer waters they can complete more than one generation per year. In colder waters maturation may take several years (EOL).




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