Deroceras caucasicum
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Deroceras caucasicum. (Photo: © S. Leonov, http://malacology.crimea.edu/list.php) |
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Deroceras caucasicum: genitalia. (Photo: © Wiktor 2000 modified by K. Weigel, University of Florida) |
Family
Agriolimacidae
Species
Deroceras caucasicum
(Simroth, 1901)Common name
None reported
Description
This slugSlug:
A snail that either does not possess a shell or has one that is very reduced (no definite coiling) or internal.
has the potential to attain a length of 40 mm as fully mature adults. The adult color may range from whitish to dark brown. The headHead:
The area of a mollusc's body that has the tentacles, eyes and mouth.
region and tentaclesTentacles:
Sensory projections on the head end of a mollusc. There are generally two pairs; upper (posterior) and smaller, lower (anterior). The upper pair bears the eyes. In many snails the eyes are located at the tips of this structure; however, in Basommatophoran snail species, the eyes are located at the base of the tentacles.
are dark brown to black in color. The mantleMantle:
A fleshy, membranous covering of the anterior portion of the body of a mollusc. It secretes the materials that form the shell.
may be spotted in juveniles of this species. The sole is pale and the sole-mucus colorless. In order to confirm the identity of this species, dissection and observation of the genitaliaGenitalia:
The reproductive structures of an animal. May refer to either male or female structure.
are required.
Deroceras agreste. The penis (p) of this species is broad with only a single appendix.
Deroceras caucasicum: The penis is broad and has two appendixes at the tip with the vas deferens emerges between them. The posteriorPosterior:
Directional term: the rear or tail end of an animal.
edge of the penis is pigmented (dark-colored) and there is a hard "clam-shaped" shell-like plate inside the penis.
Deroceras laeve: The penis of this species is long, narrow and mostly twisted, with only a single appendix. It should be noted that a penis may be absent in some specimens.
Deroceras panormitanum: The penis in the species is broad and markedly bilobed with 4-6 appendixes.
Deroceras reticulatum: The penis (p) in the species is broad with only a single, irregularly branched appendix.
Native range
Caucasus Region: Northern Iran, Black Sea, Turkey and Crimea
Distribution
Asia: Central, Iran
Europe: Turkey, Ukraine
Ecology
This slugSlug:
A snail that either does not possess a shell or has one that is very reduced (no definite coiling) or internal.
species has been reported as a pest of strawberries, cabbage, cucumber, tomatoes, pepper and eggplant. This slugSlug:
A snail that either does not possess a shell or has one that is very reduced (no definite coiling) or internal.
can survive in diverse habitats ranging from moist meadows to partial deserts. The number of generations per year may vary from one to three depending on the location.
Synonyms
- Agriolimax dymczewiczi sensu Simroth, 1901 non Kaleniczenko, 1851
- Agriolimax caspius Simroth, 1901
- Lytopelte grusina Simroth, 1901
- Lytopelte caucasicus Simroth, 1901
- Lytopelte caucasica armenia Akramowski, 1948
- Deroceras hamatus Skljar, 1975
References
Kantor et al. 2009; Son 2010; Uvalieva 1978; Wiktor 2000; Wiktor 2004
