Leatherleaf slugs - Laevicaulis spp.
Effective: March 21, 2017
Taxonomic Position: Systellommatophora : Veronicellidae
Pest Type: Gastropods
Pest Code (NAPIS): IGDQBDA
This pest is a member of the following surveys: Mollusk
These Approved Methods are appropriate for: 2025, 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017
Pest Information
CAPS Pest Datasheet: https://download.ceris.purdue.edu/file/2554
Pest Tracker: https://pesttracker.org/pest/IGDQBDA
Human and Animal Pathogens Transmitted:
Species of this family have been found to carry several nematode parasites, including Angiostrongylus cantonensis (rat lungworm), A. costaricensis, and A. malaysiensis.
Laevicaulis alte has been experimentally infected with Anafilaroides rostratus, a parasite of the bronchii of cats. It can also carry Angiostrongylus cantonensis (rat lungworm).
Laevicaulis alte has been experimentally infected with Anafilaroides rostratus, a parasite of the bronchii of cats. It can also carry Angiostrongylus cantonensis (rat lungworm).
Pest Pathogens and Organisms Vectored:
Not known to vector any pathogens or other associated organisms.
Survey
Approved Method(s)
| Method | Detail | NAPIS Survey Method |
|---|---|---|
| Visual | See USDA-APHIS (2010). | 3031 - General Visual Observation |
Method Notes:
03/21/2017: As previously mentioned, when conducting a general mollusk survey, if samples are negative for Veronicellidae, then negative data should be reported for each of these six genera: Belocaulus, Colosius, Laevicaulis, Sarasinula, Semperula, and Veronicella. In other words, if you list any of these genera as survey targets in your work plan, be sure to include all 6 genera as targets in your work plan, the Survey Summary Form, and in your final data reporting.
In April 2013, the family Veronicellidae, a target on the 2013 and 2014 AHP Prioritized Pest Lists, was broken down into six genera of concern. When conducting a general mollusk survey, if samples are negative for Veronicellidae, then negative data may be reported for each of these six genera: Belocaulus, Colosius, Laevicaulis, Sarasinula, Semperula, and Veronicella. All positives must be reported at the species level.
In April 2013, the family Veronicellidae, a target on the 2013 and 2014 AHP Prioritized Pest Lists, was broken down into six genera of concern. When conducting a general mollusk survey, if samples are negative for Veronicellidae, then negative data may be reported for each of these six genera: Belocaulus, Colosius, Laevicaulis, Sarasinula, Semperula, and Veronicella. All positives must be reported at the species level.
Survey Recommendations
The following are recommendations for executing the survey using the approved methods for pest surveillance. The recommendations are developed through literature review and consultation with subject matter experts.
Key Diagnostic or Identification
Approved Method(s)
ID/Diagnostic:
Morphological and Molecular: Differentiation from the native species is only by dissection and only if the specimen is mature enough. All veronicellid samples should be sent to Dr. Robinson for morphological identification. All specimens will then be confirmed through molecular diagnostics performed at the CPHST Mission lab.
David Robinson
1900 Ben Franklin Parkway
Philadelphia, PA 19103
267-251-0063
David.G.Robinson@aphis.usda.gov
David Robinson
1900 Ben Franklin Parkway
Philadelphia, PA 19103
267-251-0063
David.G.Robinson@aphis.usda.gov
Mistaken Identities:
Laevicaulis alte can be confused with one native species, Leidyula floridana. It may also be confused with exotic species that are either not known to be established or of limited distribution in the United States.
Laevicaulis alte is very similar to Sarasinula plebeia; the latter has a narrower body shape and is brown. It is also similar to Parmarion martensi which has a similar thin pale stripe to the mid-posterior of the mantle. However, P. martensi has a visceral hump and a small plate-like shell on the back.
Laevicaulis alte is very similar to Sarasinula plebeia; the latter has a narrower body shape and is brown. It is also similar to Parmarion martensi which has a similar thin pale stripe to the mid-posterior of the mantle. However, P. martensi has a visceral hump and a small plate-like shell on the back.
References
If you are unable to find a reference, contact STCAPS@usda.gov. See the CAPS Pest Datasheet for all references.