Greenhouse/Balkan Three-band Slug

Greenhouse/Balkan Three-band Slug - Ambigolimax

Alternative names
Lehmannia valentiana
Description

The two UK species in this genus cannot be clearly separated on visual characters. Ambigolimax valentianus is the commoner, and probably most of the images below are of this species, but without dissection this cannot be proven. A. valentianus (Greenhouse Slug) is generally paler with less prominent dark 'tramlines' but there is overlap with A. nyctelius (Balkan Three-band Slug).

Both species are 55-80mm extended and are pale brown with 2-3 dark lines on the mantle which extend as tramlines along the body. Mature specimens have a translucent, watery appearance. Both have a small keel at the tip of the body and the sole is pale and the mucus colourless.

Unless the species has been confirmed by dissection then please record as Ambigolimax.

Identification difficulty
Habitat

Often found near greenhouses, plant nurseries, allotments, under dead wood and in compost bins.

When to see it

Peak time is summer.

UK Status

Widespread in England, fewer records from elsewhere in Britain.

VC55 Status

Very common in Leicestershire and Rutland.

Leicestershire & Rutland Map

MAP KEY:

Yellow squares = NBN records (all known data)
Coloured circles = NatureSpot records: 2025+ | 2020-2024 | pre-2020

UK Map

Additional images

All NatureSpot records