STUDY OF GENITALIA MORPHOMETRIC VARIABILITY OF THE TWO SPECIES HELIX APERTA AND HELIX ASPERSA (GASTEROPODA, PULMONATA)

Authors

  • S. Tafoughalt-Benbellil Laboratory of Ecology and Environment, Faculty of Nature and Life Sciences, University A. Mira of Bejaïa
  • L. Bendifallah Laboratoire de Technologie douce, valorisation, physico-chimie des matériaux biologiques et Biodiversité, Département de Biologie, Faculté des Sciences, Université M'hamed Bougara Boumerdes

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.4314/jfas.v9i1.4

Keywords:

Genitalia, Helix aperta, Helix aspersa, morphometric variability, positive correlation, weight, shell size, discriminating characters.

Abstract

            Our research aims for, firstly, the study of genitalia morphometric variability of the two species Helix aperta and Helix aspersa, and the relation of this variability with individual’s weight and shell size. Secondly, differences in dimensions of the genital organs between the two studied species were investigated. This study showed, first, the existence of an important dimensional variability of genital organs in both studied species, then, a positive correlation between organs’ measurements and those of weight and shell. Finally, two genital organs, that are flagellum and proximal duct of bursa copulatrix, proved to be interesting to discriminate between the two species Helix aperta and Helix aspersa, because both organs are greater in Helix aspersa. 

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Published

2017-01-01

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Section

Research Articles