Dual ¹³C, ¹⁵N labelling of terrestrial slugs (Deroceras reticulatum)

Abstract

A simple, rapid and cost-effective laboratory method is described for labelling terrestrial slugs simultaneously with ¹³C and ¹⁵N. Slugs (Deroceras reticulatum) were provided with a mixture of [U-¹³C₆]glucose, ¹⁵N-enriched lettuce powder, and wheat bran. Assimilation efficiencies for ¹³C (24.2%) and ¹⁵N (27.4%) were not affected by feeding regimes offering ad libitum or restricted access to unlabelled food during the labelling period. Body tissue was significantly more highly enriched in ¹³C but significantly less in ¹⁵N than cutaneous mucus after 15 days.

Keywords:

• Carbon-13
• In vivo labelling technique
• Mollusca
• Nitrogen-15
• Slugs

Acknowledgement

We thank Dr C. M. Scrimgeour, Scottish Crop Research Institute, Dundee, UK, for conducting the isotope analysis. This research was financially supported by the National Council for Forest Research and Development, Dublin (CARBiFOR Project).