Some aspects on the embryonic development of Achatina fulica Bowdich, 1822 (Gastropoda, Achatinidae), terrestrial mollusk

• Grant number: 09/08726-5
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: August 01, 2009
• End date: March 31, 2010
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Parasitology - Entomology and Malacology of Parasites and Vectors
• Principal Investigator: Toshie Kawano
• Grantee: Toshie Kawano
• Host Institution: Instituto Butantan. Secretaria da Saúde (São Paulo - Estado). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Achatina fulica or giant African snail is a terrestrial mollusk originary from East Africa, and spread out nearly in the whole world. These snails are hermaphrodite and reproduce by cross fertilization and can be mutually receptive on this reproductive way. One fertilized specimen can lay viable eggs even after months of estivation. Longevity of those specimens can be around 5 or 6 years and the annual egg production can reach 900-1200 eggs per year. In terrestrial snails, some authors have studied only some special structures like podocyst and cephalic sac, however, there is few description on early stages of embryonic development. The main stages of embryonic development will be analyzed by stereomicroscopy and CLSM 510 (Confocal Laser Scanning microscopy). The objective of this project is to study and characterize the cell division chronology at the early stages of development until hatching and compare the results obtained on Achatina fulica with other terrestrial species. (AU)