A Field Guide to the Snails of Lord Howe Island

144 Introduced species - slugs Family Limacidae The Limacidae are large slugs up to 200 mm in length. They are native to Europe, the Mediterranean coasts of Africa, Asia Minor, Caucasus and Central Asia, but some species are introduced worldwide. The family has over 100 species. Limacid slugs have a large mantle of around one third the body length. Many species have a keeled tail. Ambigolimax nyctelia (Bourguignat, 1861) Balkan Threeband Slug Shell. Internal. Animal. Size: Length = 25-55 mm. Colour: Brown to orange-brown with two parallel black bands running along the mantle and body, and fainter, blurred markings in the centre of the mantle shield and the sides of the foot. Shape: Mantle shield around one third of body length. Tail keeled at tip. Key distinguishing features. Distinctive pattern of two black longitudinal bands and blurred markings. In contrast, Deroceras invadens has no markings and Limax maximus has spots or multiple stripes. Habitat and occurrence. Ambigolimax nyctelia was first recorded from Lord Howe Island in 2000. It has been collected infrequently and in low numbers, but is widespread across the island. Remarks. Previously known as Lehmannia nyctelia . Ambigolimax nyctelia