A comparison of egg size, capsule size, and development patterns in the order ascoglossa (sacoglossa) (mollusca: opisthobranchia)

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal articleResearchpeer-review

Data on egg size, capsule size, development type, and the presence and nature of albumen are summarized for 32 species of Ascoglossa, including new data on 23 speciesfrom Florida and the Caribbean. Lower limits of egg sizes for Ascoglossa with lecithotrophic and capsular development were substantially lower than limits reported for other opisthobranchs, probably because of the use of albumen as nutrient reserves in species with extendeddevelopment. Capsule size is a more accurate predictor of development type than egg size. The use of albumen as a nutrient resourceis associated with a relatively high plasticity of development.

Original languageEnglish
JournalInternational Journal of Invertebrate Reproduction
Volume3
Issue number2
Pages (from-to)57-64
Number of pages8
ISSN0165-1269
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 1981

    Research areas

  • Albumen, Ascoglossa (Sacoglossa), Development pattern, Egg size

ID: 346072710