IMPOSEX IN LEPSIELLA-VINOSA FROM SOUTHERN AUSTRALIA

The deformity 'imposex', which is the growth of a penis and/or vas deferens in females of dioecious gastropods, has been associated with the use of tributyltin based marine antifouling paints. We report on a survey of Lepsiella vinosa in Southern Australia which detected imposex at 14 of 20 sites sampled. Laboratory experiments suggested that although tributyltin is important in the development of imposex, other factors including copper, paint matrix and environmental stress may also induce this deformity.