Behavioral and Physiological Changes in  Pila globosa (Indian Apple Snail) During  Aestivation

VNS Malleswar. D; R. Basavaraju; S.Krupanidhi

Volume : II, Issue : VIII, August - 2013

Behavioral and Physiological Changes in Pila globosa (Indian Apple Snail) During Aestivation

Vns Malleswar. D, R. Basavaraju, S. Krupanidhi

Abstract :

Fresh water snails are widely distributed in terrestrial habitats, typically in moist environments that facilitate animals for gaseous exchange and reduce desiccation. Such habitats do undergo frequent seasonal changes that impact animal life. To survive dry, hot seasons and scarcity of food conditions, snails innately enter a dormant state by closing the operculum and this process is called aestivation (summer sleep). Factors leading to aestivation invariably display features of stress and hence it is of interest to understand and elucidate the behavioral changes during this stress in an aestivating amphibious Indian apple snail, Pila globosa. Pila globosa whose distribution is mainly around equatorial & tropical regions of the world is subjected to seasonal variations and results in aestivation during summer. These factors are simulated in the laboratory conditions and results highlight the behavioral and physiological adjustments occurring in Pila globosa during aestivation which elucidate biological mechanisms involved.