Bionomics of Limnaea truncatula and the Parthenitae of Fasciola hepatica under Drought Conditions

Field and laboratory observations confirm that L. truncatula is an amphibious species, living in temporary pools and muddy places which often become dry for part of the year. During times of drought the snail survives in a state of aestivation. At the laboratory newly hatched snails are able to withstand at least two months' aestivation while older snails have been demonstrated to remain alive for more than a year; considerably longer than suggested by previous workers.