Spanish slug
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| Arion lusitanicus (Mabille, 1868) |
The Spanish slug, more commonly known in English-speaking countries under its Latin name, Arion lusitanicus, is a highly invasive slug species which is often considered a pest in areas where it is not indigenous, and often in places where it is.
The species originates from the Iberian Peninsula, although it is far more noticed in northern parts of Europe, where it was first discovered in the mid-1900s. The snail is about the same size of its relative, the black slug, growing to a maximum size of about 12 cm, leopard dots is also a feature, albeit not present among all individuals.
The local name of the slug in the regions it has invaded are officially translations of "Spanish slug", although in recent years, as its dominance has increased, it has been nicknamed "killer slug", due to its tendency to eat dead or weaker individuals of the species, although its destructive impact on gardens may seem just an as appropriate reason for the name.
The main reasons for the problematic invasions of gardens by the Spanish slug is that it is hermaphrodite, meaning that one single slug can start an infestation, their numerous offspring is also a factor, up to 100 eggs may be produced. Bad export control may also be a cause, as the main route for the slugs to spread is through imported goods from Spain and Portugal.
In recent years, it has been found that the Spanish slug has bred with the indigenous black slug to produce a more, frost-resistant variety in more northern regions.
[edit] See also
- Black slug
- Pest control of slugs
- Slug
