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Entomological Investigation of the Main Entomatic Adversities for Terrestrial Gastropods <i>Helix aspersa</i> Müller (Mollusca Gastropoda Pulmonata): A Preliminary Study in Sardinian Heliciculture Farms
oleh: Giulia Murgia, Federica Loi, Stefano Cappai, Maria Paola Cogoni
Format: | Article |
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Diterbitkan: | MDPI AG 2022-07-01 |
Deskripsi
In the years 2020–2022, a survey was carried out with the aim of controlling the entomofauna present in seven Sardinian snail farms. The sampling was carried out during the spring–summer and autumn–winter periods, corresponding to the production cycles of the <i>Helix aspersa</i> snails (Müller, 1774), the species most frequently bred in snail farms. The samples were taken from farms located in different areas of the region. For the predatory species found in most of the farms, 38% of the individuals were of the <i>Silpha tristis</i> Illiger, 1798 (Coleoptera: Silphidae) species, 32% were <i>Ocypus olens</i> Müller, 1764 (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae), and 24% were <i>Carabus</i> (<i>Macrothorax</i>) <i>morbillosus constantinus</i> Kraatz, 1899 (Coleoptera: Carabidae). The <i>Lampyris sardiniae</i> Geisthardt, 1987 (Coleoptera: Lampyridae) and <i>Licinus punctatulus</i> Fabricius, 1792 (Coleoptera: Carabidae) species were equally detected in 3% of the farms. In some farms, the predatory species <i>S. tristis</i> and <i>C.</i><i>morbillosus costantinus</i> had caused the death of several snails. This preliminary study aimed to provide a first evaluation and description of the critical issues facing the snails present in seven Sardinian snail farms. First, a specific survey of the entomofauna during two observational periods (i.e., the spring–summer and autumn–winter periods) was conducted. Context-specific description and evaluation will allow providing valid information for Italian and European heliciculture farms to ensure the well-being of the mollusks. The presence of predatory species in snail farms is not easy to control, but some precautions could be useful to avoid massive colonization.