Specific features of reproduction and growth of the terrestrial mollusk Eobania vermiculata (Muller, 1774) (Gastropoda; Pulmonata; Helicidae) under laboratory conditions

Variation in reproductive indices of the introduced terrestrial mollusk Eob ania vermiculata (Muller, 1774) from populations living in different natura l climatic tones of the Crimea was analyzed under laboratory conditions. It was shown that the species is characterized by a significant variation in clutch size, which ranges from 24 to 175 eggs. averaging 81.0 +/- 3.5 eggs. Egg size within the same local population or the same clutch can also vary considerably. Eggs are slightly oval, with small and large diameters avera ging 3.48 +/- 0.02 and 3.71 +/- 0.02 mm; average egg weight is 0.023 +/- 0. 001 g, ranging from 0.020 to 0.036 g in different clutches. Hatchability in different clutches varies from 37.7 to 92.0% (on average, 66.8 +/- 11.9%). An increase in experimental population density from 10 to 40 individuals p er Petri dish resulted in a statistically significant decrease in growth ra te of the large shell diameter in juvenile E. vermiculata, a decrease in av erage shell size, and an increase in its variation.