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Intra- and inter-specific agonistic behavior among...
Journal article

Intra- and inter-specific agonistic behavior among terrestrial slugs (Pulmonata: Stylommatophora)

Abstract

Intra- and inter-specific aggression among slugs varied greatly with the species. Among pugnacious species only the mature animals displayed such behavior. Aggressiveness varied seasonally, with the most fighting occurring during summer when hot, dry weather reduced the number of shelters and availability of food. No fighting occurred in winter, when formerly aggressive conspecifics frequently aggregated. Large aggressors caused smaller conspecifics as well as other species to avoid shelters they occupied. Since slugs selected shelters closest to food, agonistic behavior improved the chances of acquiring shelter and food simultaneously.

Authors

Rollo CD; Wellington WG

Journal

Canadian Journal of Zoology, Vol. 57, No. 4, pp. 846–855

Publisher

Canadian Science Publishing

Publication Date

April 1, 1979

DOI

10.1139/z79-104

ISSN

0008-4301

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