Appearance
"Sphincterochila zonata" reproduction is constituted by hermaphroditic cycles. This includes a spermatogenic cycle which is activated through August and September and an oogenic cycle that occurs in December until January. Reproductive cycles are also linked to the weather patterns of the Negev desert region as well. Aestivation, or dormancy, in S. zonata occurs during the dry season and persists for most of the year. Characteristics of vertebrate-like hormones such as testosterone, estrogen, and progesterone have been observed generating throughout aestivation fluxes
Naming
;Subspecies:⤷ "Sphincterochila zonata filia",,
⤷ "Sphincterochila zonata zonata"
Habitat
Characterized as one of the most abundant desert snails of the central Negev desert, a region of Southern Israel, by Bourguignat in 1853. Found often in exposed areas, in opposition to other snails of this region. During the rainy period of the year, occurring from November to March, "Sphincterochila zonata" actively feed and reproduce. Furthermore, "S. zonata" is largely inactive during the dry season, and is only active for around ten to thirty days of the year.In dry conditions, "S. zonata" inhabits more sheltered areas, including under soil or bushes. The diet of "S. zonata" consists primarily of the microflora existing within surface soils
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