Genetic structure analysis of the alien mollusk Stenomphalia ravergiensis (Mollusca, Gastropoda, Pulmonata) population in Belgorod (Russia)

Abstract

Gel electrophoretic analysis of allozymes was used to study the genetic structure of the population of the alien mollusk Stenomphalia ravergiensis that inhabits urbanized landscapes in the town of Belgorod (Russia). A high genetic variability level and low values of inbreeding coefficient were characteristic of most colonies. Weak genetic separation of the snail groups studied was also demonstrated. Invasive colony distribution was supposed to correspond to the island model. The calculation of effective population size and the comparison of this value to the respective parameters of native and invasive species of terrestrial mollusks revealed a high viability level for the population of the species of interest in the study area.