New distributional records and reproductive anatomy of non-native slug Ambigolimax valentianus (Gastropoda: Limacidae) from Türkiye

Abstract

The invasive slug Ambigolimax valentianus (A. F & eacute;russac, 1821) was first recorded in T & uuml;rkiye in 2017 from the city centre of Diyarbak & imath;r, marking its initial introduction into the country. In the present study, five additional localities were documented during field surveys conducted in the spring and fall of 2023, including University Bridge and Hevsel Gardens (Diyarbak & imath;r city centre), Karpuzlu and Bismil (Diyarbak & imath;r), and Yediyol (Batman). All sites are situated along the Tigris River and its tributary, the Batman Stream, and are characterised by humid, shaded environments with dense vegetation - conditions favourable for the establishment and proliferation of this synanthropic species. External morphological observations revealed a pale olive-buff body colouration with distinct longitudinal bands and variable mantle patterns. Reproductive anatomical examinations confirmed the species identification, with all specimens exhibiting a club-shaped penis with a blunt penial appendix and a tubular rectal caecum. These findings not only extend the known distribution range of A. valentianus in southeastern T & uuml;rkiye but also underscore its ecological plasticity and ability to colonise anthropogenically altered habitats. Given its invasive potential, continued surveillance is warranted to assess possible ecological impacts on native gastropod communities and local ecosystems.