The response of terrestrial snails to the presence of ungulate feces, a source of nematode larvae (Metastrongyloidea: Protostrongylidae)

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Abstract
The directional response of active terrestrial snails, when exposed in an artificial arena to the presence of a source of nematode larvae of the genus Protostrongylus (feces of bighorn sheep, Ovis canadensis), appeared to depend upon the condition of the feces. When the feces were fresh (either moist or sun dried) most species of snails moved away from them, but when exposed to weathered feces they moved towards the feces. These results suggest that infection of gastropods with first-stage larvae of this nematode is more likely to occur through contact either with the weathered feces themselves or the litter surrounding them than with freshly deposited feces. By implication, there must be a lag in time between deposition of the feces containing the larvae and the acquisition of the larvae by the intermediate molluscan host.