Selenochlamys ysbryda
| Ghost Slug (Selenochlamys ysbryda) | |
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| Family: | Trigonochlamydidae
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| Genus: | Selenochlamys
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The Ghost Slug (Selenochlamys ysbryda) is a type of slug found in Wales, and unknown to science prior to 2006. The Ghost Slug has no eyes, is pure white in colour, and lives underground. Unlike most slugs, the Ghost Slug is a nocturnal carnivore, feeding on earthworms at night with its blade-like teeth. [1]
The slug was given a partially Welsh scientific name (the first on record), ysbryd being the Welsh word for ghost, descriptive of the slug's bright white appearance and nocturnal habits. This has given rise to its more common name of "Ghost Slug". Slugs of this kind are more commonly found in Turkey and Georgia. Bill Symondson, an ecologist at Cardiff University has speculated that the slug originally evolved in cave systems alien to the UK, possibly arriving in Wales from a plant pot.[2]
The origin of the Ghost Slug, and how it made its way into Britain is still unknown. Specimens of the slug have not been described in Europe prior to this particular discovery in a lane in Caerphilly on October, 29th 2006[3] where a single specimen was photographed, before being released. A year later the slug was found by a gardener in their home near Cardiff, Wales, where it was brought to the attention of the National Museum Wales. Additionally, Ghost Slugs have been found in Gorseinon, near Swansea, Wales.[citation needed] The slug is not harmful to humans, but is being monitored to check that it does not become a pest species as it spreads across South Wales.
A scientific description of the species is available from the Journal of Conchology, v39: p537-552.
Notes
- ^ 'Ghost slug' is a mystery - New species of slug surfaces in the UK, National Museum of Wales. Published 10th July, 2008. Retrieved 11th July, 2008.
- ^ Worm-eating slug found in garden (video), BBC News. Published 10th July, 2008. Retrieved 10th July, 2008.
- ^ Albino snail? (photos), The petsnails.co.uk forums. Published October 29th, 2006. Retrieved 15th July, 2008.