SUMMARY 



The distribution of D^. dormani within a grove at Orange Lake, 

 Florida, was determined to be localized and not dispersed randomly 

 within the grove. Several factors such as canopy density and avail- 

 ability of calcium and water were believed collectively responsible. 

 A decline in the citrus tree snail population from 45 snails/snail 

 tree in 1976 to 3 snails/snail tree in 1977 was attributed to alter- 

 ed cultural practices and severe environmental factors. 



Snail activity is confined to periods of 100% relative humidity. 

 Also it is noted that the rate of initiation of snail population 

 activity follows the same rate of increase in relative humidity to 

 100%. The ability to predict periods of snail activity made it possi- 

 ble to quantify activity from hygrographic records. 



The scanning electron microscopic (S.E.M.) inspection of the 

 surface of the citrus fruit confirms that the snail does not damage 

 the fruit surface. In addition, the S.E.M. investigations demonstrat- 

 ed that the citrus tree snail had the ability to suppress the citrus rust 

 mite population. Areas of snail activity, where no feeding occurs, 

 were characterized by a surface coating of mucilage as well as de- 

 struction of surface spermatophoros. 



Grazed areas were completely free of microbiota. All surface 

 material had been removed by the feeding action of the snail. 



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