The influence of starvation on the calcium content in the shell and hemolymph of Achatina fulica Bowdich, 1822

Abstract

The influence of different periods of starvation (1, 2, 3 and 4 weeks) on the calcium content in the hemolymph and deposits in the shell of Achatina fulica Bowdich, 1822 were analyzed. Throughout the starvation periods studied, the content of this ion in the hemolymph did not vary significantly when compared to control snails, evidencing the existence of a homeostatic mechanism to calcemia. But, after starvation the content of calcium in the shell was reduced ranging 38.50 % lower in comparison to control group which reached 330.90 ppm of CaCO3/g of shell. The results were discussed.