Virginia Land Snails

Philomycus virginicus Hubricht, 1953

Photo(s): Two different Philomycus virginicus animals showing variation in the lateral bands. Images by Dan Dourson ©.

Click photo(s) to enlarge.

Family: Philomycidae
Common name: Virginia Mantleslug

Identification
Length: 50-100 mm
Philomycus virginicus is a large slug with a mantle that covers the entire dorsal surface. The mantle is tan to tan-grey and usually mottled with small spots of darker brown. These spots usually coalesce to form a broad central band and two narrower lateral bands. In addition to the lateral bands the coalesced spots form about ten thin chevron shaped bands that run from the center band forward to each lateral band. Other than the chevron shaped bands this species appears very similar to Philomycus togatus. The reproductive system is equipped with a dart sac containing a short wide dart.

Ecology
This animal is found in upland hardwood forests on mountains above about 700 meters (2,300 feet) elevation in the southern Appalachian Mountains. They aestivate under loose bark and rotting logs.

Distribution
Philomycus virginicus is distributed from north-central Virginia to Tennessee and west to eastern Kentucky. In Virginia the species is found from the Blue Ridge through the Ridge and Valley.

NatureServe Global Rank: G3
NatureServe State Rank: S3
Virginia’s wildlife action plan: Tier III

 

John Slapcinsky 10/2012

Range Map