Ambigolimax valentianus (Férussac, 1821)
A. valentiana is a synanthropic slug that has been introduced to disturbed habitats worldwide.
The name was recently changed from Lehmannia valentiana.
May huddle together in groups when at rest (South 1992).
External: Yellow-gray body; short keel; dark stripes/reticulations on sides of mantle and tail; body bands near to mid-dorsal line; lyre pattern on mantle; a light stripe down mid-dorsum; dark head; pale, 3-part sole; clear mucus (Quick 1960; Wiktor et al. 2000)
Internal: Short, club-like penis; rounded penial flagellum on end of penis, opposite to side where vas deferens connects; oval spermatheca equal to the length of the spermatheca duct and the penis; long rectal caecum (Quick 1960; Wiktor et al. 2000).
Very similar to L. nyctelia externally, distinguished from L. nyctelia through internal anatomy (penis has appendage at tip) (Herbert 1997). Like L. marginata, but lighter yellowish body, body bands nearer middorsal band, penial flagellum longer and not pointed, spermatheca more ovate rather than pear-shaped (Quick 1960).
Eggs: 2.25 x 1.5 mm, translucent, yellow (Quick 1960).
Juveniles: 10 mm long with dark black bands at hatching (Quick 1960).
To 60 mm long (Sysoev & Schileyko 2009). .
Native to: Iberian peninsula and probably NW Africa (Wiktor et al. 2000).
Non-native in: N and S America, Australia, South Africa (Herbert 1997), Russia (Sysoev & Schileyko 2009), parts of Europe, and Asia (Wiktor et al. 2000); S Brazil (Rio Grande do Sul state) (Agudo-Padrón, 2009). .
A. valentiana are synanthropes that occupy urban habitats, gardens, and greenhouses (Chichester & Getz 1969). Take shelter in compost heaps, under fallen logs, stones, etc. in moist, shady locations with lots of vegetation (Herbert 1997; Wiktor et al. 2000).
Are ground-dwelling rather than arboreal like L. marginata (Quick 1960).
Probably omnivorous. Feed on lettuce in the lab (Chichester & Getz 1973) and on algae growing on rocks and trees.
Is a pest of flowers grown in greenhouses (South 1992). .