Family LIMACIDAE Batsch, 1789
Introduction
A family of slugs which is native to the Palaearctic Region. Many species have been recorded as successful world travellers and have been accidentally introduced into most temperate regions of the world, including Australia, probably on farm machinery and stock plants brought in by the new settlers. These slugs are surprisingly resistant to adverse environmental conditions and have the ability to hide in very small crevices. They feed mainly on live plants and are classed as pest species. The Australian species were revised by Altena & Smith (1975).
Some taxa previously included in the Limicidae (e.g. in Smith 1992) are now included in the Agriolimacidae.
The family is characterized by the pneumopore being towards the posterior end of the right margin of the mantle and the keel confined to the posterior end of the body.
General References
Altena, C.O. van R. & Smith, B.J. 1975. Notes on introduced slugs of the families Limacidae and Milacidae in Australia, with two new records. Journal of the Malacological Society of Australia 3: 63-80
Quick, H.E. 1960. British Slugs (Pulmonata : Testacellidae, Arionidae, Limacidae). Bulletin of the British Museum (Natural History) Zoology 6: 103-226
Smith, B.J. 1998. Family Limacidae. pp. 1102-1103 in Beesley, P.L., Ross, G.J.B. & Wells, A. (eds). Mollusca: The Southern Synthesis. Fauna of Australia. Melbourne : CSIRO Publishing Vol. 5(Part B) pp. vi–viii, 565–1234.
History of changes
| Published | As part of group | Action Date | Action Type | Compiler(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12-Feb-2010 | (import) |