Reproduction
Being members of the Order Pulmonata, land snails are hermaphrodites, meaning they have both male and female reproductive organs (Nordsieck, 2012). Although self fertilization is possible, most land snails produce eggs as a product of sexual reproduction. During sexual reproduction, two mating snails come together exchanging genetic material when the spermatophore releases sperm that eventually meets with the egg in the fertilization chamber of the receiver (Pearce and Hotopp, 2006). After fertilization, the egg is coated with albumen (to provide a source of energy and a protective coat for the developing snail) in the spermoviduct, and later laid in a damp area or a hole (Pearce and Hotopp, 2006). Figure 1 illustrates two land snails mating.
Figure1. Land snails mating
Visit the Interactions page
Return to the Home Page
