Hosts
Mite infection among gastropod populations varies greatly. Dense gastropod population favors infection; isolated populations may remain uninfected. Older and larger gastropods are more likely to show infection. Mites have been observed to move from host to host when hosts mate, and when gastropods congregate in moist soil and under rocks during the day. It has been shown that mites move preferentially towards fresh mucus when they travel along mucus, enabling them to follow mucus trails to new hosts. Once infected, individual gastropods take longer to mature and show reduced mating, activity, and feeding. Infected slugs and snails lay fewer eggs than uninfected individuals. Infected gastropods also show decreased winter survival rates.
At least 31 species of mollusks are exploited. Common hosts include the following:
- Agriolimax agrestis
- Arianta arbustrum
- Arion ater
- Arion hortensis
- Helix aspersa
- Helix pomatia
- Limax maximus
- Milax budapestensis
- Milax gagates
- Milax sowerbyi
Read more about this topic: Riccardoella Limacum