Note Factors Affecting Hatching Success of Golden Apple Snail Eggs: Effects of Water Immersion and Cannibalism

The golden apple snail (Pomacea maculata Perry) is an invasive species that lays its eggs out of water but is otherwise aquatic. To investigate this behavior and potential management techniques, we conducted experiments to examine the physical effects of immersion and underwater egg predation on hatching success. Predation on submerged eggs by P. maculata adults reduced hatching success by ,99%. In predator-free conditions, hatching success was reduced 75% by immersion in water and was negatively correlated with time submerged. Our results suggest that both underwater egg predation and low immersion tolerance may be exploited to limit the spread of P. maculata.