The exact reproductive cycle of this
species of snail is not known yet, but there can be some
generalizations based on the basic snail reproduction cycles
known. Since L. pustuloides is a land snail and in the
subclass Pulmonata, we know that it is a monoecious animal,
meaning it is hermaphroditic with both male and female
reproductive organs in one animal. Based upon this information
we also know that these snails undergo direct development,
meaning newly hatched juveniles look like adults. As a general
rule, fertilization in snails is internal and although snails
can fertilize themselves, they tend to pass packets of sperm,
called spermatophores, between individuals to avoid
self-fertilization. Once fertilization has happened, the snail
must then deposit the eggs; usually they are deposited into
holes in the ground or under logs. I would imagine L.
pustuloides would even be able to deposit eggs under leaves
in moist areas without much of a risk as they are so incredibly
small it would be hard for anything to cause them harm. Once the
juvenile snails emerge from their eggs, the fight for life
ensues. They must quickly learn where to hide, what to eat, and
what to avoid.
You can check out some cool
Adaptations these snails have
acquired.
