Family: Philomycidae
Common name: Woody Mantleslug
Discovery: Grimm, 1961
Identification
Length: 13-19 mm (preserved)
Like all philomycids, the entire body of Pallifera megaphallica is covered by mantle. Itis a small slug very similar in appearance to P. fosteri. The mantle color is light tan with scattered dark gray spots, converging into one broken longitudinal line along the mid-dorsum and one broken blackish longitudinal line on each side. The tentacles are gray. There may be some or no brownish color on the anterior foot fringe.
Pallifera megaphallica may be distinguished from P. fosteri by the presence of a mid-dorsal line and by differences in the genitalia (e.g. much longer penis; Grimm, 1961).
Ecology
This species occurs in forests, valleys, along water bodies, in swamps, and on roadsides. Individuals may be found in wet leaves or on logs.
This slug has an annual lifecycle. Adults are seen in winter and spring (Grimm, 1961).
Taxonomy
Hubricht (1985) synonymized P. megaphallica with P. fosteri. Its taxonomic status is not certain.
Distribution
This species has been found in Mid-Atlantic and Southeast coastal states down to Florida. In the Northeast, they have been recorded from Maryland (several counties) and Virginia (Fairfax Co.).
Conservation
NatureServe Global Rank: G5, Apparently secure.
