Reproductive strategies, genetic diversity, and invasive ability in Lymnaeidae

BONEL N; YUMI NAKADERA; PIZÁ J; VÁZQUEZ, A.A.; KOENE J. M.; DAVID, PATRICE; JARNE, PHILIPPE; ALDA P.

The Lymnaeidae: a handbook on their natural history and parasitological significance

Springer

Año: 2023;

Lymnaeid snails are simultaneous hermaphrodites that have a worldwide distribution, inhabiting freshwater areas from almost all continents ranging from tropical and to arctic regions and from sea level to very high altitudes. In this chapter, we review the reproductive anatomy, behavioral and physiological traits, and mating strategies associated with increased survival and invasiveness of lymnaeids across different ecosystems around the globe. We also discuss the biotic and abiotic factors that can affect mating systems in this family, and how they have expanded their geographical range by natural, as well as human-mediated ways, likely promoting the spread of infectious diseases. Finally, we discuss why we believe that lymnaeids are suitable model organisms for studying mechanisms and processes involved in the ecology and evolution of mating systems and biological invasions.