Articles | Volume 20, issue 2
https://doi.org/10.5194/we-20-87-2020
https://doi.org/10.5194/we-20-87-2020
Standard article
 | 
10 Aug 2020
Standard article |  | 10 Aug 2020

Morphometric traits of shells determine external attack and internal utilization marks in the Roman snail in eastern Germany

Claudia Tluste, Udo Bröring, Tomáš Němec, and Klaus Birkhofer

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Cited articles

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Short summary
The Roman snail has a high conservation status in Germany, and it is important to study the impact of predators and parasites on local populations. Morphometric traits and signs of external attack and internal utilization were studied in eight subpopulations. External attacks by predators were more frequently recorded on larger shells, while internal utilization depended on body density and local soil pH values. This highlights the value of abiotic habitat conditions and trophic interactions.