Experimental ecology and hibernation of Onchidium struma (Gastropoda: Pulmonata: Systellommatophora)

The Paper investigated both laboratory-reared and pond-cultured subjects to explore the habit and hibernation patterns of Onchidium struma. Movement and feeding habits and the process of hibernation were observed in culturing tanks. The conditions of movement are as follows: a minimum air temperature of 12 °C; maximum light intensity of 25 lux and a minimum relative air humidity of 72%. Major movement is usually at dusk and during the night, and the average temperatures for fasting and beginning hibernation are 13.8 °C and 11.4 °C respectively. Temperature is an essential factor affecting movement and feeding of sea slug and that RH and light intensity also play an important role, but are not necessarily required at the same time. The survival rate of O. struma through hibernation in high-biodiversity culturing tanks is 77.57% ± 2.86%.