Reproductive Strategies of a Terrestrial Snail along an Altitudinal Gradient on an Oceanic Island

摘要: This study reports how the reproductive cycle of a land snail endemic from an oceanic island is shaped by abiotic factors over altitudinal gradient 800 m. In addition, validity two morphometric shell parameters (maximum diameter and total height) was assessed, as maturation diagnostic characteristics. The authors' findings suggest that, at Piedade (200 m), individuals are active mature October/November to March, they exhibit dormancy in remaining months, consequence soil dryness. Thus, low altitude, gonadal considered be primarily influenced photoperiod, rainfall temperature. At Cabeco da Bola (1000 turn, March July/August seem have minimal gametogenic conditions throughout months year reproduce. As moisture never limiting factor, mainly photoperiod temperature high altitude. under analysis were unable diagnose maturation, recently described for related Azorean species.