Vázquez PAA, Sánchez NJ

Language: Spanish
References: 11
Page: 231-243
PDF size: 255.93 Kb.

ABSTRACT

Introduction: The recognition of intermediary host snails is capital to control snailborne diseases. Morphological studies allow the identification of species in a simple and accessible way which may not require the use of advanced molecular techniques. Since specialized readings regarding medical malacology are not broadly available in Cuba, the confection of an easy-to-use and practical key to these species would be of huge utility to manage and control snail populations.
Objective: to present an illustrated and annotated key to the freshwater gastropod snails of Cuba and their role in the transmission of parasitic diseases.
Methods: a dichotomous key divided into the three subclasses of gastropods snails occurring in Cuba was made. Specimens from the Collection of the Laboratory of Malacology at the Institute of Tropical Medicine were used. The database contains 1147 registries of species from 676 localities in Cuba. Up to 30 individuals from each populations were used whenever possible.
Results: the key gathers 36 species of freshwater gastropods belonging to ten families. The description of each species is based on morphological and anatomical features. Color variations and different ornaments patters in the shell are considered.
Conclusions: Although the identification of a species may be relied on taxonomical characters limited to several shell and anatomy features, it is strongly recommended a detailed study of its ecology (distribution patterns and interspecific relations).

REFERENCES

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