Reproduction

Euchemotrema leai is a hermaphroditic species with both male and female sex organs present in a single individual (Martin 2000).  One specific characteristic of the species is that it displays a very noticeable epiphallus in the floor of the genital chamber which bears a miniscule flagellum as shown in the photo (Webb 1950).  Although monoecious, land snails possess both sex parts, self-fertilization does not occur rather the two copulating hermaphroditic partners both play the male and female roles in the relationship.  They begin by both exchanging sperm (Martin 2000).  These packets of sperm are exchanged in bundled spermatophores in order to prevent self-fertilization (Martin 2000).  From this point, the sperm is stored inside the body waiting to fertilize the eggs until just before the laying of the eggs (Martin 2000).    
 
This species is oviparous meaning it lays eggs.  When studying their egg-laying habits, it was found that Lowland Pillsnails prefer to release their eggs in loose soil and decaying vegetation (Gugler 1963).  The adults dig flask-shaped burrows to depths of about 1-2cm and deposit 5-10 eggs in each hole.  The eggs have a whitish shell that is flexible but not brittle (Gugler 1963).  The eggs are partially calcified and soft (Martin 2000).  The outer gelatinous layer, surrounding an inner gelatinous layer, is about 0.3mm thick.  Beneath this outer layer is a sheet of irregular, calcareous granules.  These granules measure approximately 0.1mm thick (Gugler 1963).  In total the egg as a whole possesses an ovoid shape measuring 1.6-1.9mm across the surface (Gugler 1963).  Overall, this land species experiences direct development meaning that a juvenile hatches directly from the egg (Hickman et. al. 2009).

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