Effects of oviposition substrate on lifetime fecundity of the terrestrial pulmonate Bradybaena similaris

We tested whether the type of substrate or the size of container affects egg production of the land snail Bradybaena similaris Férussac. The purposes were to test if the standardized conditions affect the temporal pattern of lifetime fecundity and if convenience can be achieved without significant loss of fecundity in experimental conditions. Adult pairs began to oviposit earlier in humus than in sand. In the small containers, oviposition was more frequent in sand than in humus, once oviposition began. However the total number of eggs produced did not differ significantly between the different substrates or sizes of container. The sand and small flowerpot used in the current methods are relatively efficient laboratory conditions for oviposition of B. similaris.