Calcareous septa formed in snail shells by larvae of snail-killing flies

Science. 1967 Apr 28;156(3774):522-3. doi: 10.1126/science.156.3774.522.

Abstract

Larvae of 13 species of Pherbellia and Colobaea that feed in exposed aquatic snails uitilize a product of the Malpighian tubules before they pupate to form a plate-like structure within the shell or to reinforce the anterior end of the puparium. The substance is partly calcium carbonate, and carbonic anhydrase may be involved in its production.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Calcium Carbonate*
  • Carbonic Anhydrases
  • Diptera*
  • Snails*
  • Spectrum Analysis

Substances

  • Carbonic Anhydrases
  • Calcium Carbonate