Limacus
Bierschnegel ( Limacus flavus )
Limacus is a genus (or subgenus ) of the slug family of slug ( Limacidae ) from the subordination of terrestrial snails ( gastropod ). It was once considered mostly as a subgenus of Limax or as a synonym of Limax. In many recent works it is now regarded as a separate genus, in other works as a subgenus of Limax. The genus currently includes only two species that were probably originally confined to southern Europe. Meanwhile, however, is one of two types of anthropogenic been almost kidnapped world, and can do as Neozoe considerable damage to cultural and garden plants there.
Features
The two representatives of the genus Limacus grow about 7 to 13 cm long and are relatively slim. The keel is made short and indistinct. The color is variable, but prevail yellows prior to greens. The color pattern is made irregular, not arranged in rows or groups, darker spots. The intestine comprises three loops, of which the third loop is very short. The two species of the genus also have a long appendix ( in contrast to other genera of the slug ). The Bursa copulatorix has a connection to the fallopian tubes (not to the penis as in the other genera of the Limacinae ). The penis is shorter than half the body length. Prostate and uterus, both close together, pull almost to the atrium, where they do not come together far away from the albumin gland. The Spermovidukt is therefore very short.
Geographical distribution, habitat and behavior
The distribution area of both species was originally thought to be restricted to southern and western Europe. Meanwhile, at least the Bierschnegel anthropogenically not only dragged Europe, but worldwide in temperate climate areas. The original area of distribution is therefore very difficult to distinguish. The previously common synanthropic of people in basements Bierschnegel has become rare due to the better storage of food supplies today, in some regions it is even threatened with extinction. The two species eat dead, rarely fresh plant material.
Taxonomy
The taxon was described in 1864 by Rudolf Lehmann first time scientifically. Only species of the new genus was Limacus breckworthianus, a supposedly new kind of " Breckworth " (Location could not locate ), State of Victoria, Australia. Later it turned out that this species is a junior synonym of Limacus flavus (Linnaeus, 1758) ( Bierschnegel ) Most one already then deported to Australia European style Limacus was regarded as a subgenus of Limax or a junior synonym of Limax. Today Limacus is sometimes as an independent genus within the subfamily Limacinae, partly as a subgenus of Limax.
Currently only two types are (safely) to the genus:
- Bierschnegel ( Limacus flavus (Linnaeus, 1758) )
- Grünschnegel ( Limacus maculatus ( Kalenczenko, 1851) )
Two other species are uncertain. They are measured by Evans (1986 ) as a good species, on the other hand rejects Viktor (2001) them as junior synonyms of Limacus maculatus:
- Limacus pseudoflavus Evans, 1978
- Limacus grossui Lupu, 1971