Interspecific competition among terrestrial slugs

ABSTRACT Interspecific competition among terrestrial gastropods has previously been considered to have little effect on population dynamics and local distribution. Recent studies, however, demonstrate several cases in which interspecific plays a major role structuring gastropod communities. To explore the general importance of for ecology slugs, we conducted semi-systematic literature review, synthesizing available peer-reviewed relating interactions following: (1) mortality reproduction; (2) activity, movement, feeding growth; (3) habitat use geographical distribution slugs. support also reviewed snails. The body is relatively limited, but survival, reproduction, movement activity clearly demonstrated laboratory experiments different slug species. occurrence seems, be species specific, no negative effects due presence heterospecifics reported many combinations investigated date. Most studies demonstrating between involved interference from few aggressive (mainly Limax maximus as aggressor). In addition, correlative indicated that gastropods, might mediated by competition. Further, well-designed are needed potentially with focus invasive native species, where lack shared evolutionary history niche separation may increase intensity Such experimental produce information implications conservation well management pests, because result extinction vulnerable influence possibility non-native establishing populations new areas.