Indications of diverse behavioural ecologies in the morphologically conservative Australian land snails Pommerhelix and Meridolum (Stylommatophora: Camaenidae)

Abstract

The behavioural ecology of terrestrial molluscs is poorly known. We consider the behavioural ecology of three morphologically similar, parapatric camaenids of southeast Australia: Meridolum corneovirens, Meridolum middenense, and Pommerhelix duralensis. We critically review available literature on their behaviour and address knowledge gaps through field and laboratory studies, including spool-line tracking data for P. duralensis and M. corneovirens. These data are supplemented by in situ observation for each species and ex situ dietary preference studies for P. duralensis and M. corneovirens. Our results suggest a complex behavioural ecology for each species, with some inter-specific behavioural differences within the morphologically conservative group. Implications for invertebrate conservation planning are briefly discussed.

• habitat use
• diet
• spool-line tracking
• Meridolum corneovirens
• Meridolum middenense; Pommerhelix duralensis
• Southeast Australia
• conservation planning

Many thanks to our anonymous reviewers whose advice and assistance have been invaluable in bringing this paper to its potential. This project could not have been possible without the wonderful support and patience of the landowners who opened their property at all hours for our survey work, and especially to the Firth family. Thanks also to Dr Stephanie Clark for advice, encouragement, and comments on the text; Chris Rowley, Collection Manager, Invertebrate Collection at Museum Victoria, for his assistance; Jennifer Nicholls for statistical advice; Darryl McKay for the use of his photo library; Matthew Stanton for advice, photos, and observations of P. duralensis; the staff of Terra Australis Bushcare and Ellerman Park Bushcare Group for their support and assistance; and the local ecologists and naturalists who provided behavioural observations.