Distribution of mudsnail Bullacta caurina along smooth cordgrass Spartina alterniflora invasion stages on a coast of the Yellow Sea, China

• Published in: Marine environmental research Vol. 192; p. 106248
• Main Authors: Yang, Li, Shi, Jingyi, Pan, Rui, Yang, Ruiping, Li, Hongshan, Wang, Shuang, Ge, Baoming
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Elsevier Ltd 01.11.2023
• Subjects: Distribution pattern; Environmental factors; Food web; Seasonal variations; Sediment; Seasonal variations; Environmental factors; Distribution pattern; Food web; Sediment
• ISSN: 0141-1136; 1879-0291
• DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2023.106248

On a Chinese coast of the Yellow Sea, a 15-year Spartina alterniflora invasion sequence was classified into five stages: no invasion, initial invasion, immature invasion, mature invasion, and senescing invasion. The effects of invasion on Bullacta caurina distribution were studied. The stem density and vegetation coverage, and sediment organic matter content increased after S. alterniflora invaded, whereas chlorophyll a concentration and porewater salinity decreased. The stem density and vegetation coverage, and porewater salinity were the dominant factors explaining habitat variations. The invasion stages, seasons and their interaction had significant effects on B. caurina density, and the density decreased after initial invasion stage of S. alterniflora. Here, a clumped spatial distribution pattern was detected on B. caurina population. Organic matter content and chlorophyll a concentration were distinguished for predicting B. caurina density. The hydrologic condition, food resources, temperature, and predation risk comprehensively affected B. caurina distribution after S. alterniflora invasion. •Environmental factors varied significantly along the smooth cordgrass invasion.•Invasion stages, seasons and their interaction had effects on mudsnail density.•Organic matter and Chlorophyll a may predict mudsnalil density.•A clumped spatial distribution pattern of mudsnail was detected.•Low density may be considered as an alternative goal for smooth cordgrass control.