Genus: Deroceras
Common name: Field Slugs
Family: Agriolimacidae
Origin: Europe
Diet: Live and dead plants and almost any decaying organic material. These are some of the most significant crop and garden pests, D. reticulatum in particular.
Where in Oregon: Widespread.
Similar exotics to look for: Oregon has 3 species. With over 100 species worldwide, this is a difficult group, requiring dissection for definitive species identification.
Diet: Live and dead plants and almost any decaying organic material. These are some of the most significant crop and garden pests, D. reticulatum in particular.
Where in Oregon: Widespread.
Similar exotics to look for: Oregon has 3 species. With over 100 species worldwide, this is a difficult group, requiring dissection for definitive species identification.
Quick key to species of Deroceras
1. Mantle less than half of body length
A. From the side, tail slopes gradually; rim of pneumostome pale or body color, defensive mucus white (30-50mm)....D. reticulatum
1. Mantle less than half of body length
A. From the side, tail slopes gradually; rim of pneumostome pale or body color, defensive mucus white (30-50mm)....D. reticulatum
B. From the side, tail is steeply truncate; rim of pneumostome paler than body, defensive mucus clear (25-35mm)....D. invadens
2. Mantle half as long as body or longer. (15-25mm)....D. lavae
2. Mantle half as long as body or longer. (15-25mm)....D. lavae