Function of the Osphradium in Bullia (Gastropoda)

Abstract

Krijgsman and Brown¹ have recently described a technique for operating on fully extended and immobilized marine Gastropoda. We have now used this ‘water-rigour’ method on 124 individuals of Bullia laevissima (Gmelin) preparatory to severing their osphradial nerves in order to discover the function of the osphradium. The osphradium in Gastropoda is generally thought to be an organ of chemo-reception, though the evidence in support of this theory is far from satisfactory. Experiments such as those of Copeland² are not convincing in view of the crude techniques used. A few workers, notably Hulbert and Yonge³, have suggested that the osphradium may be concerned with the perception of turbidity; but no experimental data have been presented in support of this view, the only evidence being circumstantial. Detailed histological studies of the osphradium, such as those undertaken by Stork⁴, add little to the argument.