WATER RELATIONS AND RESISTANCE TO DESICCATION IN 3 ISRAELI DESERT SNAILS, EREMINA-DESERTORUM, EUCHONDRUS-DESERTORUM AND EUCHONDRUS-ALBULUS

We compared water relations and resistance to desiccation in three sympatric desert land snails, Eremina desertorum, Euchondrus desertorum and Euchondrus albulus. Ermina was the most resistant and Eu. albulus the least resistant to desiccation. Juveniles of both Euchondrus species were more susceptible to desiccation than adults. The rate of mass loss, during desiccation, of Eremina is comparable to values previously measured in other desert species. Its resistance to desiccation may be correlated with its more exposed micro-habitat (it lives on bushes) and/or with its Saharan origin. On the other hand, Euchondrus is an under-stone dweller of a northern origin and thus has an almost Mediterranean-type water economy. © 1993 Academic Press, Inc.