title: Shell colour polymorphism, injuries and immune defense in three helicid snail species, Cepaea hortensis, Theba pisana and Cornu aspersum maximum.
abstract: Shell colour polymorphism is a widespread feature of various land snail species. In our study we aimed at elucidating the question whether there is a correlation between shell colouration and immune defense in three land snail species by comparing phenoloxidase (PO) activity levels of different morphs after immunostimulation via Zymosan A-injection. Since phenoloxidase is involved both in immune defense as well as in melanin production, the PO activity level is particularly interesting when trying to resolve this question. Even though Zymosan A failed to induce PO activity rendering a comparison of inducible PO activity impossible, an interesting difference between pale and dark morphs of all tested species could be observed: dark snails were less affected by hemolymph withdrawal and were able to maintain or regenerate a significantly higher PO activity level after hemolymph withdrawal than pale snails. Possible implications of this observation are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Animal Physiological Ecology, University of Tübingen, Konrad-Adenauer-Str. 20, Tübingen 72072, Germany.
authors.forename: Alexandra E
authors.initials: AE
authors.lastname: Scheil
authors.affiliation: Animal Physiological Ecology, University of Tübingen, Konrad-Adenauer-Str. 20, Tübingen 72072, Germany.
authors.forename: Stefanie
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Hilsmann
authors.affiliation: Animal Physiological Ecology, University of Tübingen, Konrad-Adenauer-Str. 20, Tübingen 72072, Germany ; Transfer Center for Ecotoxicology and Ecophysiology, Blumenstr. 13, Rottenburg 72108, Germany.
authors.forename: Rita
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Triebskorn
authors.affiliation: Animal Physiological Ecology, University of Tübingen, Konrad-Adenauer-Str. 20, Tübingen 72072, Germany.
authors.forename: Heinz-R
authors.initials: HR
authors.lastname: Köhler
keywords: Melanin; Morph distribution; Pathogen tolerance; Phenoloxidase; Wound healing