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Laevicaulis stuhlmanni
Laevicaulis stuhlmanni is a species of terrestrial, nocturnal slug in the family Veronicellidae. It is native to parts of tropical Africa. DescriptionLaevicaulis stuhlmanni shows a flattened body and a dark to light brown colour. Adults are on average 45 mm long and 15.5 mm wide. The weight of an adult averages around 3.5 g.[1] Feeding habitsLaevicaulis stuhlmanni is a grazer and detritus feeder.[2] DistributionLaevicaulis stuhlmanni occurs naturally in tropical regions of Africa, including Congo[3] Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.[4][5] It has been introduced to Egypt, where it is viewed as a serious agricultural pest.[1]  Life cycleIn Egypt the reproductive season of Leavicaulis stuhlmanni starts in March or April, when the temperature rises, and lasts until November. [1] They are hermaphrodites and self-fertilization is common.[1] During the oviposition period each slug can produce 5 clutches over the course of 46 days. Under laboratory conditions Leavicaulis stuhlmanni lays individual egg clutches containing up to 140 oval to spherical elongated, clear translucent eggs.[1] The clutch is covered with a soil-rich fecal pellet-ribbon that helps maintain a high humidity within it. Incubation period ranges from 10 to 19 days at a temperature of around 30°C and a humidity between 52 % and 64 %. Laevicaulis stuhlmanni reaches sexual maturity 2 to 3 months after hatching, depending on climatic conditions. Total life span is between 5 and 6 months.[1] References
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