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Consequences of competition on the reproduction and mortality of three species of terrestrial slugs

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Researches on Population Ecology

Summary

The interaction of three species of terrestrial slugs was studied in six field cages containing monocultures and 2-way combinations.A. columbianus andA. ater were non-aggressive species andL. maximus was highly aggressive during the summer. All three species were similar in body design and resource utilization. Reproduction (egg size, eggs/batch, number of batches, wet-weight productivity) and mortality were monitored through the 1977 season.L. maximus drastically reduced reproductive success of the non-aggressive slugs and increased their mortality. There were also significant interactions between the non-aggressive species.

Compared to other invertebrates, the life history characteristics ofA. columbianus are stronglyK-selected and probably evolved through intraspecific exploitative competition in predictable, stable forest habitats.A. ater is best classified as a refugingr-selected species adapted to less predictable, unstable field environments.L. maximus appears to be α-selected and its overall design is suited to density-dependent regulation in fields.

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  1. Department of Biology, McMaster University, L8S 4KI, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada

    C. David Rollo

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Rollo, C.D. Consequences of competition on the reproduction and mortality of three species of terrestrial slugs. Res Popul Ecol 25, 20–43 (1983). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02528782

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