Ariolimacidae
Banana slug ( Ariolimax columbianus )
The Ariolimacidae are a family of nudibranchs from the suborder of terrestrial snails ( gastropod ). The few species are restricted to the west coast of North America.
Features
The representatives of the Ariolimacidae are all slugs with worm-like body. They are stretched to about 20 cm long. The visceral cavity extends over the entire body length. The case is reduced to a shallow dish plate, which is completely covered by the mantle. The sole is divided into three parts with a few exceptions in the longitudinal extension. The pharyngeal and tentacle muscles are attached to the diaphragm and unite the rear. The hermaphrodite genitalia than the last, front fold of the viscera. Penis and epiphallus are still present and not reduced as in many other families of Arionoidea.
Geographical distribution and behavior
The few types of Ariolimacidae family are found only on the west coast of North America. The range extends from Alaska in the north to California.
System
The family is divided by Bouchet & Rocroi (2005) in the two subfamilies Ariolimacinae and Zacoleinae. The latter is not recognized by most authors
- Pilsbry & Vanatta Family Ariolimacidae, 1898 Subfamily Ariolimacinae Pilsbry & Vanatta, 1898 Genus Meadarion Pilsbry, 1948
- Genus Ariolimax Mörch, 1859
- Genus Magnipelta Pilsbry, 1953
- Genus Anadenulus Cockerell, 1890
- Genus Hesparion Simroth, 1892
- Genus Prophysaon Bland & Binney, 1874 ( with the subgenera Prophysaon ( Prophysaon ) and Prophysaon ( Mimetarion ) Pilsbry, 1948)
- Genus Zacoleus Pilsbry, 1903
- Genus Udosarx Webb, 1959
They are related despite the name, not closer to the Schnegeln ( Limacidae ). You must also not be confused with the family of slugs ( Agriolimacidae ).