To avoid repeated observations of the same individuals, each time, we searched for them in different parts of the study area. To minimize the impact of possible confounding variables FG-4592 solubility dmso (time of the day, temperature, cloudiness, microhabitat), we attempted to simultaneously observe the behaviour of the ‘infected’ and of the ‘non-infected’ snails. Therefore,

after spotting an ‘infected’ individual, we scrutinized the vegetation in its close neighbourhood, down to the ground level, to locate ‘non-infected’ snails, that is, individuals of similar size, but showing no signs of infection (extended bases of tentacles, Wesenberg-Lund, 1931). However, as these could include Leucochloridium-infected snails, but with sporocysts not forming broodsacs yet (impossible to detect in the field, Wesenberg-Lund, 1931), herein we use a more neutral ‘control’ term to describe the reference snails. After finding in pilot observations (not included) that we were able to observe and record the behaviour of no more than four snails at the same time, we matched each infected snail with three control ones. Before starting the behavioural observations, we recorded the date and time of day, identified the snail species (following the key by Wiktor, 2004) and species of the parasite (using colouration

patterns of broodsacs Pojmańska, 1969; Casey et al., EPZ 6438 2003; Zhukova et al., 2012). We observed snails from some distance so as not to touch plants on which they were staying and not to cast shade on them. Each observation session lasted 45 min. We were observing the behaviour of snails continuously, but recorded it every 15 min, which yielded four observations per individual. At each instant, we recorded the following variables:

The height above the ground, measured to the nearest 5 cm with a pocket tape measure. Illumination (to the nearest 5 lux): We used a Konica Minolta T-10 M meter with a mini receptor head and measuring range up to 299 000 lux. The receptor head was connected by a flexible cable to the main device’s body. We placed the receptor next to a snail (without touching it) with the receptor window facing upwards in order to measure the amount of down welling illumination. We took the measurements in the NORMAL FAST selleck chemical mode of the light meter. Activity: 0 = inactive (tentacles hidden) or 1 = active (tentacles extended). Cover: 0 = exposed (body fully illuminated, a snail usually on the upper side of a leaf), 1 = partially exposed (body partially in shade) or 2 = hidden (a snail completely in shade, typically clinging to the underside of a leaf). Additionally, we recorded The distance covered by a snail in the preceding 15 min (to 1 cm). For each variable measured, we summarized all observations of an individual to arrive at a single behavioural score for that individual.