(C) 2012 Katerina Vardinoyannis. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License 3.0 (CC-BY), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.
For reference, use of the paginated PDF or printed version of this article is recommended.
Terrestrial slugs of the Island of Cyprus were recently studied in the framework of a study of the whole terrestrial malacofauna of the island. The present work was carried out in the Natura 2000 conservation areas of the island in 155 sampling sites over three years (2004–2007). Museum collections as well as literature references were included. In total six species are present in the Natura 2000 areas of the island, belonging to three families: Limacidae, Agriolimacidae and Milacidae. One of the species, Milax riedeli, is a new record for the island. The distribution of the species across the island and in the surrounding areas is discussed.
Agriolimacidae, Limacidae, Milacidae, Distribution, East Mediterranean
Cyprus, the largest island in the Eastern Mediterranean, has an area of 9, 251 km2, and there are 33 special areas under nature conservation, that cover 22 % of the total area. The designation of these areas was based mainly on habitat types, geology, knowledge of plant and vertebrate species, and on published data on invertebrates. This is in accordance with what
Our previous knowledge of the slugs of Cyprus was mainly based on a fairly recent paper by
In this work we present new distributional data about the slugs of Cyprus and comments on their taxonomy when necessary. Additionally, we discuss their presence in the conservation areas and the whole island and compare it with occurrence in surrounding countries.
Material and methodsDuring the years 2004–2007 we collected land snails in all NATURA 2000 areas. Slugs were found at 99 sites within 28 of the 33 areas although we collected land snails at 155 sampling sites (Map 1, Table 1). Sampling sites were intended to cover the whole diversity (habitat and substrate) of each NATURA 2000 area. Snails and slugs were collected only during the wet period (October-April) by A. Demetropoulos (AD), S. Demetropoulos (SD), Chr. Makris (M), Chr. Makris & L. Georgiou (MG), M. Mylonas (MM), K.A. Triantis, and K. Vardinoyannis (V). We also included material from the mollusc collection of the Natural History Museum of Crete (Map 1, Table 1). After sampling, specimens were relaxed and then preserved in 75 % ethanol. Their identification was based on anatomy of the genitalia. The material is kept in the Natural History Museum of Crete and in the Museum of Natural History, Wrocław University.
Natura 2000 areas A and sampling sites B in each area. Numbers depict sampling sites where slugs were found (their name is given in Table 1)
Sampling sites in each NATURA 2000 area, the date of collection, the vegetation type and the dominant plant species, the substrate and the corresponding number on Map 1.
NATURA 2000 area | Sampling site with slugs | Date | Number on map | Dominant Vegetation | Substrate |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Agiatis | Agiatis–Agia S (CY411–1) | 14/3/2006 | 25 | Pine forest (Pinus brutia) | Diabase dykes |
Agiatis–500m from Tarmac CY411–2 | 14/3/2006 | 26 | |||
Akrotirio Aspro–Petra tou Romiou | Aspro cape–Petra tou Romiou (eastern valley) | 29/1/2005 | 53 | Phrygana (Sarcopoterium spinosum; Maquis (Olea europaea, Ceratonia siliqua) | Biocalcarenites, sandstones |
Alykes Larnakas | Alyki, Tekes (site 1) | 15/1/2005 | 95 | Plantations with Acacia | Sand, silts |
Larnaka salt marsh new buildings | 19/11/2005 | 96 | |||
Alykos Potamos–Agios Sozomenos | Kotsiatis Dam (CY202–1) | 4/3/2006 | 81 | Phrygana (Sarcopoterium spinosum) | Pillow lavas, Olivine - Pyroxene |
Cha Potami | Cha river, Kato Archimantria | 5/3/2005 | 52 | Maquis (Olea europaea & Ceratonia siliqua) | Chalks, marls |
Cha river, Orites | 5/3/2005 | 51 | |||
Chersonisos Akama | Agios Kononas springs | 24/11/2005 | 1 | Maquis (Juniperus phoenicea, Olea europaea Ceratonia siliqua); Phrygana (Sarcopoterium spinosum); Pine forests (Pinus brutia) | Limestone |
Agios Minas spring CY410–11 | 15/3/2005 | 4 | |||
Akamas (may be Loutra tis Afroditis) | 1/10/1989 | 3 | |||
Akamas forest CY 410–8 | 12/3/2005 | 6 | |||
Akamas, Loutra tis Afroditis CY 410–10 | 15/3/2005 | 2 | |||
Avakas | 19/2/2005 | 8 | |||
Mountiko maquis CY410–3 | 24/1/2005 | 9 | |||
Petratis gorge | 23/11/2005 | 7 | |||
Pittokopos CY410–13 | 16/3/2005 | 5 | |||
Pykni forest CY410–4 | 15/2/2005 | 10 | |||
Dasos Lemesou–Periochi Kyparisia | Germasogeia north, at the stream (CY 20) | 20/2/2000 | 59 | Pine forest (Pinus brutia); Maquis (Olea europaea, Ceratonia siliqua) | Serpentinized harzburgites, Diabase dykes and gabbros |
Lemesos forest, Akrounta river valley | 11/2/2006 | 62 | |||
Lemesos forest, Foinikaria | 2/1/2005 | 61 | |||
Lemesos forest, Germasogeia dam, Foinikaria | 2/1/2005 | 60 | |||
Dasos Machaira | Gionia Camp (CY204–2) | 17/3/2006 | 87 | Forest (Quercus alnifolia, Pinus brutia) | Diabase dykes and pillow lavas |
Gionia Valley north (CY204–3) | 17/3/2006 | 85 | |||
Kapedes (CY204–1) | 17/3/2006 | 82 | |||
Kiona ~1380m alt | 22/12/2006 | 86 | |||
Lazania CY 204–7 | 27/12/2006 | 84 | |||
Machairas, Kyprovasa– Arkatzi tou Klosmatou | 22/12/2006 | 88 | |||
Philani Pine CY 204–6 | 27/12/2006 | 83 | |||
Dasos Pafou | Dasos Pafou Tripyla | 7/1/2006 | 29 | Forests with Pines (Pinus brutia) and Cedars (Cedrus brevifolia) | Diabase dykes |
Gerakies (CY 206–3) | 15/3/2006 | 32 | |||
Kedron valley | 13/3/2005 | 28 | |||
Kedron valley (CY 10) | 18/2/2000 | 27 | |||
Kremnos tis Pellis CY 206–1 | 15/3/2006 | 30 | |||
Roudia Bridge (site CY7) | 17/2/2000 | 33 | |||
Sylladin tou Petrou near Tsakistra | 15/3/2006 | 31 | |||
Dasos Stavrovouniou | Stavrovouni, entrance of monastery | 19/12/2006 | 93 | Pine forest (Pinus brutia); Maquis (Olea europaea, Ceratonia siliqua) | Diabase dykes and pillow lavas |
Stavrovouni, low | 19/12/2006 | 92 | |||
Stavrovouni, NE low | 19/12/2006 | 94 | |||
Drymou | Drymou Oak | 28/3/2007 | 16 | Riparian | Biocalcarenites, sandstones |
Drymou Valley | 28/3/2007 | 15 | |||
Episkopi tou Morou Nerou | Ezousas Alder (CY405–1) | 11/2/2006 | 22 | Maquis (Quercus coccifera) | Sand, silts, clays |
Ezousas Pseudogarrigue (CY405–2) | 11/2/2006 | 21 | |||
Ethniko Dasiko Parko Troodous | Caledonian falls | 22/11/2005 | 63 | Pine forests (Pinus nigra, Pinus brutia) | Gabbros, harzburgites |
Mesapotamos waterfall | 22/11/2005 | 65 | |||
Platres to Mesapotamos | 22/11/2005 | 64 | |||
Troodos mt., Almyrolivado | 26/11/2005 | 66 | |||
Kavo Gkreko | Cavo Gkreko Rocks | 9/1/2005 | 99 | Maquis (Juniperus phoenicea); Phrygana (Sarcopoterium spinosum) | Limestone |
Gkreco cape at Agioi Anargyroi (CY 24) | 21/2/2000 | 98 | |||
Paralimniou lake | 9/1/2005 | 97 | |||
Koilada Diarizou | Diarizos Arminou | 28/1/2006 | 49 | Maquis (Olea europaea, Ceratonia siliqua); Phrygana (Sarcopoterium spinosum); Pine forests (Pinus brutia) | Chalks, sand, lava breccia |
Diarizos gorge, after Kikisia (CY 8) | 17/2/2000 | 47 | |||
Diarizos Kidasi | 22/1/2006 | 45 | |||
Diarizos Nikokleia | 28/1/2006 | 44 | |||
Diarizos valley, Gefyri | 22/1/2005 | 48 | |||
Diarizos valley, Petres ton Hasanpoulion | 22/1/2005 | 46 | |||
Koilada Limnati | Limnatis valley, 1 km west of the bridge, 400 m alt. | 5/12/2004 | 58 | Maquis (Olea europaea, Ceratonia siliqua) | Chalks, serpentinite |
Limnatis valley, Alassa | 19/11/2005 | 55 | |||
Limnatis valley, Mantra | 18/2/2006 | 54 | |||
Palia Korfi, approx. 500 m alt., Limnatis valley | 4/12/2004 | 56 | |||
Palia Korfi, river below at Limnatis bridge | 4/12/2004 | 57 | |||
Kritou Marotou | Kritou Marotou Cultivations | 27/3/2007 | 24 | Riparian and cultivations | Chalks, marls, clays |
Kritou Marotou Oak | 27/3/2007 | 23 | |||
Lefkaron | Lefkara–Agios Minas | 25/2/2006 | 91 | Presteppe scrub (Genista fasselata; Maquis (Quercus coccifera) | Chalks, marls and pillow lavas |
Lefkara 600 m alt | 19/11/2005 | 89 | |||
Lefkara croosroad to Kato Drys | 11/3/2006 | 90 | |||
Madari–Papoutsa | Kyperounda (CY205–1) | 25/3/2006 | 67 | Forest (Quercus alnifolia, Pinus brutia) | Diabase dykes and pillow lavas |
Lagoudera valley | 20/12/2006 | 70 | |||
Lagoudera, 6 km north | 21/12/2006 | 73 | |||
Papoutsa ~1240m alt. | 20/12/2006 | 72 | |||
Pitsilia district, Kyperounta | 15/4/2001 | 68 | |||
Polystypos Fountoukies | 17/12/2006 | 71 | |||
Spilia–Madari, 1250m alt. | 17/12/2006 | 69 | |||
Xyliati dam, low | 21/12/2006 | 74 | |||
Mammari–Deneia | Mammari 1st site | 21/11/2005 | 80 | Phrygana (Sarcopoterium spinosum) | Biocalcarenites, sandstones |
Maroullena | Maroulena gorge | 17/12/2006 | 75 | Pine forest (Pinus brutia) and Riparian | Pillow lavas |
Maroulena’s Dam | 23/12/2006 | 76 | |||
Maroulena’s Pine | 23/12/2006 | 77 | |||
Mavrokolympos | Agios Neophytos Valley CY408–4 | 13/1/2006 | 20 | Maquis (Olea europaea, Ceratonia siliqua); Phrygana (Sarcopoterium spinosum) | Chalks, marls |
Agios Neophytos Garrigue CY408–3 | 13/1/2006 | 19 | |||
Mavrokolymbos Garrigue CY408–1 | 9/1/2006 | 18 | |||
Mavrokolymbos Stream CY408–2 | 9/1/2006 | 17 | |||
Periochi Mitserou | Mitsero–Agios Panteleimonas | 11/3/2006 | 79 | Phrygana (Sarcopoterium spinosum); Pine forest (Pinus brutia) | Chalk & Limestone |
Mitsero Pinewood & valley | 11/3/2006 | 78 | |||
Platy | Platy area, crossroad Kelefos–Kaminaria–Milikouri | 19/2/2005 | 50 | Pine forest (Pinus brutia) | Diabase dykes |
Polis Gialia | Gialia Acacia CY401–1 | 8/1/2006 | 14 | Plantations with Acacia | Calcarenites, sands, gravel |
Skoulli | Chrysochou River CY409–2 | 15/1/2006 | 12 | Woodland (Quercus infectoria); Riparian (Platanus orientalis, Nerium oleander) | Sand, silts, gravel |
Goudi Oak CY409–1 | 15/1/2006 | 11 | |||
Polis Camp river CY409–3 | 15/1/2006 | 13 | |||
Vouni Panagias | Agia Moni south of Panagia | 22/12/2004 | 34 | Forests (Quercus infectoria, Pinus brutia) | Chalks, marls |
Makries Limnes Chasanpoulion–Eryfiou–Profitis Ilias | 23/12/2004 | 36 | |||
Profitis Ilias | 1/2/2005 | 35 | |||
Vloudkia | 23/12/2004 | 37 | |||
Xeros Potamos | Asprokremnos Pools CY407–1 | 2/2/2006 | 43 | Phrygana (Sarcopoterium spinosum); Maquis (Olea europaea, Ceratonia siliqua); Pine forests (Pinus brutia) | Chalks, marls |
Finikas CY407–2 | 2/2/2006 | 42 | |||
Nata Pine CY407–5 | 6/2/2006 | 39 | |||
Xeros Army CY407–3 | 2/2/2006 | 41 | |||
Xeros Rock CY407–4a | 3/2/2006 | 38 | |||
Xirou valley, Nata | 5/2/2005 | 40 | |||
Stavros tis Psokas | Agios Merkourios | Pine forests | Diabase dykes | ||
Stavros tis Psokas (CY 11) | 18/2/2000 | ||||
Ethniko Dasiko Parko Rizoelias | No slugs were found in these areas | ||||
Asgata | |||||
Lympion–Agia Anna | |||||
Peristerona | |||||
Koilada Kargotis |
In Table 1 we give the sampling sites in each NATURA 2000 area, the date of collection, the vegetation type, the dominant plant and the substrate.
Initially we assembled all data from the literature, including the doubtful names. These are presented and discussed separately for each species.
ResultsIn total we found six slug species belonging to three families - Agriolimacidae, Limacidae and Milacidae. Below we present analytically for each species the collecting sites in each NATURA 2000 conservation area (bold), data from literature, and if necessary comments on its systematics.
Family Agriolimacidae Wagner, 1935Deroceras berytensis (Bourguignat, 1852)
This species had been reported from Akrotirio Aspro–Petra tou Romiou; Alykes Larnakas; Chersonisos Akama; Ethniko Dasiko Parko Troodous; Koilada Diarizou; Polis Gialia and Vouni Panagias (
We found it in (Fig. 1a):Alykes Larnakas: Larnaka salt marsh new buldings, 19.11.05, M; Alyki Tekes, 15.1.05, MG. Alykos Potamos – Agios Sozomenos: Kotsiatis Dam (CY202–1), 4.3.2006, SD. Cha Potami: Cha river, Kato Archimandria, 5.03.05, MG. Chersonisos Akama: Agios Minas spring CY 410–11, 15.3.05, AD; Agios Kononas springs, 24/11/2005, AD; Akamas (may be Loutra tis Afroditis), 1.10.1989, MM; Petratis gorge, 23.11.05, MM; Pittokopos CY 410–13, 16.03.05, SD. Dasos Lemesou – Periochi Kyparisia: Lemesos forest, Germasogeia dam, Foinikaria, 2.1.05 MG. Dasos Pafou: Roudia bridge (CY7), 17.2.00, MM. Dasos Stavrovouniou: Stavrovouni, low, 19.12.06 MM. Episkopi tou Morou Nerou: Ezousas Alder (CY405–1), 11.02.06, SD. Kavo Gkreko: Cavo Greko Rocks, 9.1.05, MM; Gkreko cape at Agioi Anagyroi (CY24), 21.02.00, MM. Koilada Diarizou: Diarizou gorge, after Kikisia (CY 8), 17.02.00, MM; Diarizos Arminou, 28.1.06, MG; Diarisos Kidasi, 22.1.06, AD; Diarizos Nikokleia, 28.1.06, MG; Diarizos valley, Petres ton Hasanpoulion, 22.1.2005, MG. Koilada Limnati: Limnatis valley, Alassa, 19.11.05, MG; Palia Korfi, river below at Limnatis bridge, 4.12.04, MM; Palia Korfi, approx. 500 m alt. Limnatis valley, 4.12.04, MM; Limnatis valley, 1 km west of the bridge, 400 m alt., 4/12/2004, MM. Madari – Papoutsa: Lagoudera, 6 km north, 21.12.06, V; Xyliati dam, low, 21.12.06, MM. Mammari – Deneia: Mammari 1st site, 21.11.2005, V. Maroullena: Maroulena’s Dam, 23.12.06, SD; Maroulena gorge, 17.12.06, MM, V, SD. Mavrokolympos: Mavrokolymbos stream CY408–2, 9.1.06, SD; Mavrokolymbos Garrigue CY408–1, 9.01.06 SD; Agios Neophytos valley (CY 408–4), 13.1.06 SD. Polis Gialia: Gialia Acacia CY401–1, 8.01.06, AD & SD. Skoulli: Chrysochou River CY 409–2, 15.01.06, SD; Polis Camp river CY409–3, 15.01.06, SD. Xeros Potamos: Asprokremnos Pools CY407–1, 2.2.06, AD; Xirou valley Nata, 5.2.05 MG; Finikas CY407–2, 2.02.06, AD & SD; Xeros Army (CY 407–3), 2.2.06, AD & SD; Xeros Rock CY407–4a, 3.02.06, AD & SD
Distribution of a Deroceras berytensis b Deroceras chrysorroyatissensis and c Deroceras famagustensis in the Natura 2000 areas of conservation in Cyprus Island.
Comments on systematic characters
The colour of alcohol-preserved specimens ranges from cream to dark brown, especially on the back and mantle; the dark pigment is distributed more or less evenly with no distinct spots; when spots are present, they are blurred and their margins fuse (they are never black dots). These external characters are always combined with the following anatomical characters: long caecum, forked penial gland with a distinct common stalk, more or less half as long as the entire gland. The two branches of the penial gland are covered by glandular papillae. The stimulator in the penis is wide, flat, and bowl-shaped.
The species varies very widely (
Deroceras chrysorroyatissensis Rähle, 1984
This species had been reported from Akrotirio Aspro–Petra tou Romiou and Vouni Panagias (
We found it in (Fig. 1b): Agiatis: Agiatis–Agia S (CY411–1), 14.03.06, MM, V, AD, SD; Agiatis – 500m from Tarmac CY411–2, 14.03.06, MM, V, AD, SD. Akrotirio Aspro – Petra tou Romiou: Aspro cape – Petra tou Romiou (eastern valley), 29.01.05, M. Cha Potami: Cha river Orites, 5.03.05, MG. Chersonisos Akama: Pykni forest CY 410–4, 15.02.05, SD ? juv.; Akamas (may be Loutra tis Afroditis), 1.10.89, MM; Akamas, Loutra tis Afroditis CY410–10, 15.03.05, SD; Avakas, 19.02.05, SD; Mountiko maquis CY410–3, 24.01.05, SD ? juv.; Petratis gorge, 23.11.05, MM; Akamas forest CY 410–8, 12.03.05, SD. Dasos Lemesou – Periochi Kyparisia: Lemesos forest, Akrounta river valley, 2.01.06, MG. Dasos Pafou: Gerakies CY206–3, 15.03.06, MM, V, AD, SD; Kremnos tis Pellis CY 206–1, 15.3.06. MM, V, AD, SD; Sylladin tou Petrou CY206–2, 15.03.06, MM, V, AD, SD; Kedron valley, 13.03.05, MG; Dasos Pafou–Tripyla, 7.01.06, AD; Kedron valley (CY 10), 18.02.00, V. Dasos Stavrovouniou: Stavrovouni, entrance of monastery, 19.12.06, MM, V; Stavrovouni, NE low, 19.12.06, MM, V; Stavrovouni, low, 19.12.06, MM, V. Episkopi tou Morou Nerou: Ezousas Pseudogarrigue (CY 405–2), 11.02.06, SD. Ethniko Dasiko Parko Troodous: Mesapotamos waterfall, 22.11.05, V; Troodos mt. Almyrolivado, 26.11.05, M; Platres to Mesapotamos, 22.11.05, MM. Koilada Diarizou: Diarizos Arminou, 28.01.06, MG; Diarizou valley, Gefyri, 22.1.05, MG. Koilada Limnati: Limnatis valley, Alassa, 19.11.05, MG; Palia Korfi, river below at Limnatis bridge, 5.12.04, MG; Palia Korfi, approx. 500m alt. Limnatis valley, 5.12.04, MM; Limnatis valley, Mantra, 18.02.06, M. Lefkaron: Lefkara 600m alt., 19.11.05, MM. ? juv.; Lefkara croosroad to Kato Drys, 11.03.06, MM. Madari – Papoutsa: Xyliati dam, low, 21.12.06. MM, V; Lagoudera 6 km north, 21.12.06, MM, V; Pitsilia district, Kyperounta, 15.04.01 ? juv.; Kyperounta (CY 205–1), 25.03.06, SD; Spilia – Madari, 1250m alt., 17.12.06, MM, V. Mavrokolympos: Agios Neophytos Garrigue CY 408–3, 13.01.06, SD. Periochi Mitserou: Mitsero, Pinewood & valley CY203–2, MM, V, AD, SD; Mitsero–Agios Panteleimonas, 11.03.06, MM, V, AD, SD. Platy: Platy area crossroad Kelefos–Kaminaria– Milikouri, 19.02.05, MG. Skoulli: Polis Camp river CY409–3, 15.01.06, SD; Goudi Oak CY409–1, 15.01.06, AD. Vouni Panagias: Makries Limnes Chasanpoulion – Eryfiou – Profitis Ilias, 23.12.04, V; Profitis Ilias, 1.02.05, MG; Vloudkia, 23.12.04, MG; Agia Moni south of Panagia, 22.12.04, MG. Xeros Potamos: Nata Pine CY407–5, 6.02.06, SD.
Comments on systematic characters
The slug is easy to recognise even based solely on its external appearance. As emphasised by
Deroceras famagustensis Rähle, 1991
It had not been reported from any NATURA 2000 site.
We found it in (Fig. 1c): Dasos Lemesou – Periochi Kyparisia: Lemesos forest, Foinikaria, 2.1.2005, MG. Dasos Machaira: Gionia Valley north (CY204–3), 17.03.06, SD; Lazania CY 204–7, 27.12.06, SD; Kapedes (CY204–1), 17.03.06, MM; Kiona – 1380 m alt., 22.12.06, MM, V; Machairas Kyprovasa–Arkatzi tou Klosmatou, 22.12.06, MM, V; Gionia Camp CY204–2, 17.03.06, SD; Philani Pine CY204–6, 27.12.06, SD. Kavo Gkreko: Paralimniou lake, 9.1.2005, MG. Madari – Papoutsa: Papoutsa 1240 m alt., 20.12.06, MM; Xyliati dam, low, 21.12.06, MM, V. Maroullena: Maroulena’s Pine, 23.12.06, D.
Comments on systematic characters
We found only unspotted specimens, which is in agreement with
There are three Natura 2000 areas, namely Drymou, Stavros tis Psokas and Kritou Marotou, where we found only juvenile Deroceras.
Family Limacidae Rafinesque, 1815Limax flavus Linnaeus, 1758
This species had been reported from Akrotirio Aspro – Petra tou Romiou and Ethniko Dasiko Parko Troodous (
We found it in (Fig. 2a): Dasos Lemesou – Periochi Kyparisia: Germasogeia north, at the stream (CY20), 20.2.00, V. Dasos Pafou: Kedron valley, 13.3.05, MG. Ethniko Dasiko Parko Troodous: Caledonian Falls, 22.11.05, MM. Koilada Limnati: Palia Korfi, river below at Limnatis bridge, 5.12.04, MG; Palia Korfi, approx. 500 m alt, Limnatis valley, 4.12.04, MM. Madari – Papoutsa: Xyliati dam, low, 21.12.06, MM.
Distribution of a Limax flavus b Milax barypus and c Milax riedeli in the Natura 2000 areas of conservation in Cyprus Island.
Milax barypus Bourguignat, 1866
It had not been reported from any NATURA 2000 site.
We found it in (Fig. 2b): Kavo Gkreko: Gkreko cape at Agiol Anargyrol CY24, 21.02.00, MM; Cavo Gkreko, 9.01.2005, M. Lefkaron: Lefkara – Agios Minas, 25.02.06, MG ? juv.
This species is endemic to Cyprus.
Milax riedeli Wiktor, 1986
This species had not yet been reported from the island.
We found it in (Fig. 2c): Madari – Papoutsa: Polystypos with hazel, 17.12.06, MM, V ? juv.; Lagoudera valley, 20.12.06, MM, V, SD.
The above list represents the current state of knowledge of slug diversity within the NATURA 2000 areas of conservation of Cyprus Island. To provide a more complete picture of the fauna we have to add that
In the Natura 2000 areas of conservation there are six slug species, one of them, Milax riedeli, a new record for the whole island. According to the literature there were only three species known from the Natura 2000 areas; thus we have doubled the number of species. Tandonia sowerbyi is the only species that has been recorded from the island (
Deroceras chrysorroyatissensis and Deroceras berytensis are the most widespread species, both present in 19 areas; but the latter is distributed all around the island, while Deroceras chrysorryatissensis has a more restricted distribution. All the other species are found in 2–5 areas of conservation.
Three species are endemic to the island, namely Deroceras chrysorryatissensis, Deroceras famagustensis and Milax barypus. One species, Milax riedeli is distributed on Cyprus and the southeast coast of Turkey (
There are five NATURA 2000 areas where no slugs were found – Ethniko Dasiko Parko Rizoelias, Asgata, Lympion – Agia Anna, Peristerona and Koilada Kargotis. In the first two areas the substrate is mainly gypsum which is most probably the reason for their absence. In the other areas the substrate is limestone, and the vegetation is Mediterranean scrubland (maquis and phrygana). Based on all the characteristics of these areas there is no obvious explanation for the absence of slugs, and we consider it as possible that slugs might be found in the future.
The richest Natura 2000 area is Madari – Papoutsa, in the center of the island, with five of the six species present (Fig. 3). This is followed by Dasos Lemesou – Periochi Kyparisia. There is only one site, Xyliati dam, where all three Deroceras species co-occur; additionally, at this site Limax flavus was also found. In most other localities there is only one slug species present, usually Deroceras berytensis. Milacidae are very restricted: each species has been found in only two of the NATURA 2000 areas.
Number of slug species in each Natura 2000 area. Bars in black depict juvenile individuals.
Deroceras chrysorroyatissensis was known from very few localities in the southwest part of the island (
Deroceras famagustensis had been reported only from Cavo Gkreco, the southeastern peninsula of the island, but we found it in the central part of Cyprus. Further studies could enlarge its known distribution still further.
Until recently, Limax flavus had been known only from sites near human settlements, but we found it also in more natural areas.
Milax barypus was known from three suburban areas in the eastern and northern part of the island but we also found it in central Cyprus.
Milax riedeli is recorded for the first time from the island. It is distributed in the central part of the island in the area of Madari–Papoutsa.
The presence of the slug species does not seem to correlate with vegetation, rainfall, altitude or the substrate of the site they were found.
All slugs were active only during the wet period; Limax flavus in the urban areas is an exception, as it was found active also during the dry season, even in summer (pers. obs.).
In the future we will present more data on this group since we are currently studying the terrestrial malacofauna of the whole island.
We wish to thank Maria Tzatzi for her valuable help in the laboratory work, Manolis Nikolakakis for his help with the GIS presentation, and Heike Reise for reviewing the manuscript.
This work was part of the research project “The study of land snails in the NATURA 2000 areas- SUSTDEV/0104/05” funded by the Research Promotion Foundation of Cyprus.