The influence of temperature on the hibernation patterns and activity of Vertigo moulinsiana (Dupuy, 1849) (Gastropoda: Pulmonata: Vertiginidae)

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of different temperatures, i.e. 11 °C and 21 °C, in conditions of mediumrelative humidity on the rate of awakening ofVertigo moulinsianaafter hibernation and its activity during the following 7 days. One- way ANOVA did not show statistically significant differences in timings of awakening and activity between individuals kept at 11 °Cand 21 °C during the first day of the study. The 1-week observations of the activity ofV. moulinsianashowed significant differences inrelation to temperature. Snails were more active at the lower temperature, which may be explained by a lower loss of water from thesnails and a higher availability of water as dew formed condensation on the inner walls of the test tubes. At both temperatures, not all ofthe specimens awoke from hibernation, which could be related to differences in hydration between particular individuals or a diversifiedbet-hedging strategy, implemented by the species in the face of unpredictable environmental conditions. Results of this study indicatethat increasing temperatures due to climatic changes may reduce the activity of this species and therefore also its reproduction rates.