Reproductive cycle of Helobdella triserialis (Hirudinea, Glossiphoniidae), Province of Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Authors

  • Bettina Sandra Gullo

Keywords:

Reproductive cycle, Helobdella triserialis, Argentina,

Abstract

This study describes the reproductive cycle of Helobdella triserialis in terms of its four succesive sexual maturity stages scale for female and male gonads, frequency distribution of maturity stages, seasonal variation of the population mean gonadal state, relative fecundity and reproductive potential. These parameters were estimated from monthly samples obtained in an irrigation canal in Los Talas, Province of Buenos Aires, Argentina (34º 53?S - 57º 50?W). Helobdella triserialis has a semelparous life cycle and the reproductive season extending from August/September to April/May, with a reproductive peak in August and another in February. Testisacs and ovisacs maturity reaches the maximum in August. The spring reproductive potential value is 4218 eggs / 100 individuals and the summer potential value is 2050 eggs / 100 individuals

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