Fecundity and Survival Advantages of an Exotic Gastropod Compared to a Native Species

Abstract

In Argentina the exotic snail Physa acuta Draparnaud, 1805 is predominant in environments previously inhabited by the native species Stenophysa marmorata Guilding, 1828, raising the question of whether this could have occurred because of differences in survival or reproductive strategies. To analyze the life cycle of these two species, I used the horizontal—life-table method and considered the number and proportion of viable of eggs per oviposition. Although both species suffered a high degree of mortality during the first weeks after oviposition, both the rate and the force of mortality was much greater during the reproductive period, so that the survival curve was not as markedly concave as with other gastropods. Physa acuta survived longer than S. marmorata, began its reproductive period earlier, and had a longer and more continuous reproductive stage. The number of ovipositions per snail was not different between the two species; but since the mean number of eggs per oviposition was higher in P. acuta, fecundity was likewise higher. The increase in fecundity was accompanied by an enhancement of the mortality rate in S. marmorata. The percentage of viable eggs was higher in P. acuta than in S. marmorata, but fecundity increased with age in both species. Life expectancy, reproductive value, and net reproductive rate were higher in P. acuta. The success of the exotic species P. acuta in the native habitat of S. marmorata could be explained in part by the former's earlier sexual maturation, higher reproductive potential, and greater longevity. Further field and laboratory studies are needed to demonstrate the existence of interspecific competition between these two gastropods.