Survey of nematodes associated with terrestrial slugs in Norway

Abstract

AbstractA survey of nematodes associated with terrestrial slugs was conducted for the first time in Norway. A total of 611 terrestrial slugs were collected from 32 sample sites. Slugs were identified by means of morphological examination, dissection of genitalia and molecular analysis using mitochondrial DNA. Twelve slug species were identified, representing four different slug families. Internal nematodes were identified by means of morphological analysis and the sequencing of the 18S rRNA gene. Of the sample sites studied, 62.5% were found to be positive for nematode parasites, with 18.7% of all slugs discovered being infected. Five nematode species were identified in this study:Alloionema appendiculatum,Agfa flexilis,Angiostoma limacis,Angiostomasp. andPhasmarhabditis hermaphrodita.Of these species, only one nematode was previously undescribed (Angiostomasp.). This is the first record of the presence ofA. appendiculatum,A. flexilis andA. limacisin Norway.