Patterns of individual growth in the field slug Deroceras agreste (Gastropoda, Agriolimacidae)

The growth of individual Deroceras agreste slugs from the date of sampling to the end of life has been studied under laboratory conditions. Seven out of 37 mollusks (≈19%) have shown a finite growth pattern, with their body weight reaching a maximum and decreasing thereafter. The data on these mollusks are well approximated by the finite growth equation. Other mollusks have not reached the maximum weight. In many cases, periods of a sharp decrease in body weight with subsequent return to the initial growth curve (compensatory growth) have been observed. In three animals, the growth curve has changed after such a decrease. A comparison of growth parameters in different individuals with the aid of the Ford-Wallford equation has shown that differences between them lack statistical significance. In generally, the slug D. agreste appears to belong to animals with the finite growth pattern.