MATING BEHAVIOUR OF DEROCERAS RODNAE GROSSU & LUPU, 1965 AND D. PRAECOX WIKTOR, 1966 (PULMONATA: AGRIOLIMACIDAE)

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Abstract
The mating behaviour of Deroceras rodnae Grossu & Lupu, 1965 and D. praecox Wiktor, 1966 was observed under laboratory conditions. Both species differ by the shape and functioning of the sarcobelum, the timing and duration of courtship and the colour of the sperm mass. Particularly the different timing of the courtship behaviour seems to act as an effective prezygotic isolation mechanism preventing interspecific crosses. Usually, sperm masses are exchanged mutually. In three homospecific pairings, unilateral sperm transfer was observed followed by a characteristic behaviour of the donor slug. This observation is discussed in light of the hermaphrodite's dilemma and sperm trading models.

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