Greenhouse Slug - Ambigolimax valentianus

Alternative names
Lehmannia valentiana
Description

55-80mm extended. This pale brown, medium-sized slug has 2-3 dark lines on the mantle which extend as tramlines along the body. These lines generally lighten with age. Mature specimens have a translucent, watery appearance. It has a small keel at the tip of the body. The sole is pale and the mucus colourless.

Similar Species

The Balkan Threeband Slug Ambigolimax nyctelius is usually more clearly marked but confidently separating these two species requires dissection. 

Identification difficulty
Habitat

Often found near greenhouses, plant nurseries, allotments, under dead wood and in compost bins.

When to see it

Peak time is summer.

Life History

This slug appeared in Britain from Spain and seems to be increasing.

UK Status

Widespread in England, fewer records from elsewhere in Britain.

VC55 Status

Status in Leicestershire and Rutland not known.

Leicestershire & Rutland Map

MAP KEY:

Yellow squares = NBN records (all known data)
Coloured circles = NatureSpot records: 2020+ | 2015-2019 | pre-2015

UK Map

Species profile

Common names
Greenhouse Slug, Iberian Threeband Slug
Species group:
Slugs & Snails
Kingdom:
Animalia
Order:
Pulmonata
Family:
Limacidae
Records on NatureSpot:
178
First record:
14/09/1985 (Rundle, Adrian)
Last record:
09/03/2024 (Pugh, Dylan)

Total records by month

% of records within its species group

10km squares with records

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