Activation of a mangrove snail, Littorina scabra scabra (L.) (Gastropoda : Prosobranchia)

Abstract

Cues leading to activity in L. scabra scabra in the Patonga Creek mangrove swamp, New South Wales, were investigated. Experimental stimulation with fresh water and sea water caused activity in a short time, as also did physical disturbance, but increased relative humidity had no effect. As most of the L. scabra scabra population occurred above the extreme high water of spring tides it could not have been stimulated to activity by tidal immersion. It is concluded that rain and dew are the major natural cues leading to activity.