Geomalacus
Striped slug ( Geomalacus maculosus )
The genus Geomalacus is a genus of the family of slugs ( Arionidae ) from the subordination of terrestrial snails ( gastropod ). The few species are native to western and southern Europe.
Features
The species of the genus Geomalacus are extended up to 7 cm in length ( often up to 9 cm). The small housing (up to 4 mm long, 3 mm wide) is firmly calcified and oval with a clearly visible nucleus. It has a convex upper surface and a concave bottom, and is completely surrounded by the mantle. The mantle occupies the anterior third of the body. The blowhole is situated before the middle of the jacket on the right side. In the genital apparatus of the vas deferens is slim, the epiphallus is very long and twisted. A sac -like structure ( homologous to the spermathecae ) is the transition penis / epiphallus by a short duct. The peniale retractor is where this characteristic style. The atrium is extremely long, the spermatophore thready and five or hexagonal in cross section.
Geographical distribution, occurrence and life
The species of the genus Geomalacus are located in Western Europe ( Ireland, Northern Spain and northern Portugal ). They live on lichen- covered rocks in open areas as well as in woods on moss and lichen- covered trees. The animals feed on lichens, liverworts and mosses.
System
The genus Geomalacus is divided by some authors into two subgenera. This subdivision is not used by other authors.
- Genus Geomalacus Allman, 1843 Subgenus Geomalacus ' ( Geomalacus ) Allman, 1843 Gelbgefleckte slug ( Geomalacus maculosus ( Allman, 1843) )
- Geomalacus anguiformis ( Morelet, 1845)
- Geomalacus malagensis Viktor & Norris, 1991
- Geomalacus oliveirae Simroth, 1891