1 Unidentified Cystopelta Slug at Acton, ACT
Identification history
| Cystopelta sp. (genus) | 28 Nov 2021 | Michael123 | ||
| Cystopelta sp. (genus) | 28 Nov 2021 | TimL |
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User's notes
The sequence of images shows part of the mating ritual of two Cystopelta species slugs. I understand this sighting is showing the following. Slugs are hermaphrodites, with both male and female reproductive organs. When a slug is in heat, amongst other things it releases a chemical in its slime which attracts other slugs. When slugs locate a potential mate, they will circle around each other in ever tightening circles. They circle in a clockwise direction when viewed from above, ensuring their right sides face each other as this is the side from which their genitalia appear from beneath their mantles. They stroke each other over a prolonged period and eventually exchange sperm. (See similar sighting 4397750). Thanks to Marcus Leach for the initial sighting on a tree in ANBG’s Rainforest Gully, during recent rain.
6 comments
Michael123
wrote:
28 Nov 2021
This species may be Cystopelta septentrionalis from the north east coast of NSW that has been accidentally introduced in plant material to the gardens
Michael123
wrote:
28 Nov 2021
the pink object inside the base of the penis might be the spermatophore
Michael123
wrote:
28 Nov 2021
TimL These are very important images. This is the first time Cystopelta has been photographed copulating. I know several people who would be interested to see this. Would you be able to send me these images via email in a format that could be digitally saved ie as jpegs or Tiff images. Also would like to post them on Facebook credited to you. My email address is -
michael.shea@austmus.gov.au
Thanks in advance
Michael
michael.shea@austmus.gov.au
Thanks in advance
Michael
TimL
wrote:
28 Nov 2021
Sure, @Michael123 will email higher definition versions to you. There are more in the sequence, which are available if required. Tim
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Nearby sightings
Location information
- Coordinates 149.107423-35.276722
- Altitude 616.6m
- Maps ANBG
- Places Acton, ACT
Sighting information
- 2 Abundance
- 26 Nov 2021 11:33 AM Recorded on
- TimL Recorded by
Species information
- Cystopelta sp. (genus) Scientific name
- Unidentified Cystopelta Slug Common name
- Not Sensitive
- Local native
- Non-Invasive
- Up to 628.4m Recorded at altitude
- Machine learning
- External link More information
Record quality
- Overall Fit for scientific/research use
- Images or audio
- More than one media file
- Confirmed by an expert moderator
- Nearby sighting(s) of same species
- GPS evidence of location
- Description
- Additional attributes
