Revista Chilena de Historia Natural 80 (1): 99-108, 2007
RESEARCH ARTICLE
Arion intermedius (Gastropoda: Stylommatophora); first record of this introduced
slug in Chile, with notes on its anatomy and natural history
Results and conclusions are presented on morphological and field observations made on
a collection of land slugs from the Arboretum and Botanical Garden administered by the Universidad Austral de Chile at Valdivia, as
well as various records from other collection sites in southern Chile. Based on some anatomical features, the individuals studied were
identified as Arion intermedius Normand, 1852, endemic to eastern Europe, and known from various locations around the
world for its invasive capacity, apparently facilitated by its feeding habits and particularly by its reproductive strategy of strict self
fertilization which is unusual in pulmonates. This is the first report of this species, introduced to Chile by human activities, added to
previous literature citing the presence of Limacidae, Agriolimacidae, and Helicidae. This slug is a
potential threat to agriculture and to native flora and fauna of Chile.
Key words:
Arionidae,
Arion intermedius, species introduction, invasive potential
