Arion intermedius Normand and Arion hortensis Férussac are invasive mollusks in North America, having been previously reported in thirteen and seven U.S. States, respectively. We report here the first records of both species in Kentucky. Because slug species within the genus Arion Férussac show high degrees of intra-specific variation, identifications were confirmed using both morphological and molecular (partial COI gene sequences) methods. These new records are of concern because invasive slugs are major pests in agriculture, horticulture and floriculture, causing considerable damage to wheat, alfalfa, corn, soybean and tobacco that are amongst the most economically important crops in Kentucky. This study also highlights the important need for additional gastropod surveys throughout the U.S.A.
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1 September 2008
Molecular and Morphological Evidence for the Occurrence of Two New Species of Invasive Slugs in Kentucky, Arion intermedius Normand and Arion hortensis Férussac (Arionidae: Stylommatophora)
Rory J. Mc Donnell,
Timothy D. Paine,
Richard Stouthamer,
Michael J. Gormally,
James D. Harwood
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Journal of the Kentucky Academy of Science
Vol. 69 • No. 2
Fall 2008
Vol. 69 • No. 2
Fall 2008
Agroecology
Arion hortensis
Arion intermedius
invasive species
molecular diagnosis
slugs