Reproduction
Deadalochila hippocrepis is hermaphroditic, that is, an individual that possesses both male and female reproductive organs (Brittanica, 2012). This is in parallel to the Pulmonates (Thorp, 2011).
Reproduction of D. hippocrepis can occur by two means. The sperm of an individual can either fertilize their own ova or fertilize another individual by way of cross-fertilization (Thorp, 2011). The process of cross-fertilization, fertilization between two separate individuals, is the more successful means of fertilization. Although both male and female reproductive organs exist, this snail will assume either a female role or a male role periodically. A horseshoe liptooth will store up a large amount of sperm and assume the male role. Subsequently, they will seek an individual implementing the female role to mate with (Thorp, 2011).
The
penis structure is a distinguishing characteristic of the Phylum
Polygyra with a slender upper portion and increasing size in the
lower portion (Pratt, 1981).
Specific members of Daedalochila, such as D.
hippocrepis, have a characteristically long penis, as well
as having a penial retractor muscle attached to the penis apex (Pratt,
1981). See the figure for the dissection of the genitalia of
Daedalochila auriculata, a species closely related to
D. hippocrepis.
While the specifics on D. hippocrepis life history are unknown, it is common among Pulmonates to live about a year (Thorp, 2011). This could also be a contributing factor to the semelparity tendency. It was found that among Pulmonates the life span and growth rate of offspring was higher in those that self-fertilize (Barker, 2001)
Next is References!