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Euglandina rosea (Férussac, 1821) Courtship Ritual And Mating |
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| No one knows for sure just how robust the population of Euglandina rosea is in northeast Florida. However, the experiences of this investigator over the past decade suggests that the species is very uncommon. An enthusiast attempting to find a specimen is likely to be repeatedly disappointed with most specimens usually being found purely by chance while the finder is engaged in other endeavors. It would also appear that an individual Euglandina may likewise have difficulty finding a another specimen in order to propagate the species. This is evidenced by the fact that when one is lucky enough to actually locate two adult snails and place them in close proximity they may promptly abandon thoughts of escape or feeding and initiate a courtship which can be quite elaborate. In the case of the two specimens pictured below, they were found at night in southeastern Duval County, Florida on 6/18/2007 - separated by a distance of about eight feet. The two were then placed in close proximity on a concrete block, and the larger of the two specimens immediately initiated the mating ritual. This ritual typically includes an introductory phase followed by a long period of caressing and tentacle waving and finally the actual mating (bottom image). | |
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10:15 PM |
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10:20 PM |
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10:21 PM |
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10:56 PM |
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