Towards the unravelling of the slug <i>A. ater–A. rufus</i> complex (Gastropoda Arionidae): new genetic approaches

Abstract

Abstract. The genus Arion includes several slug species, some of which are considered to be a pest to both cultivated and wild flora. Within this genus, the Arion ater complex comprises two different morphological forms: Arion rufus and A. ater, but there is no consensus about their species status. Their phylogenetic relationships have been recently solved, both of them belonging to different phylogenetic clades, but their species status is still unclear (as different clades are not always different species). For this reason, the aim of this study was to precisely identify these species status by employing the up-to-date multi-rate Poisson tree processes (mPTP) methodology as well as the classic methodology of genetic distances, both of which have three different mitochondrial genes. Results confirmed that both A. ater and A. rufus are independent evolutionary clades, and the high genetic distances between them (K2P distances ranged between 9.1 and 16.4 %, depending on genes) together with mPTP analyses, supported the idea that the clades correspond to different species. Results will be useful for the classification of these specific species as well as for developing proper pest control methodologies and conservation policies in both cultivated and wild plants.

Genital morphology differentiates three subspecies of the terrestrial slug Arion ater (Linnæus, 1758) s.l. and reveals a continuum of intermediates with the invasive A. vulgaris Moquin-Tandon, 1855

“…are likely to form a monophyletic group; monophyly of A. ater s.l. is also not incompatible with the poorly resolved phylogenetic trees based on mitochondrial DNA (Rowson et al 2014a, Peláez et al 2018. Furthermore, we believe that it would be too disruptive to change the taxonomic status of A. vulgaris, so it should continue to be treated as a distinct species.…”

Annotated and Updated Checklist of Land and Freshwater Molluscs from Asturias (Northern Spain) with Emphasis on Parasite Transmitters and Exotic Species

“…Records of Arion rufus from Arion ater complex needs re-examinations and confirmations after new studies [101]. Tentatively, with the same European, Iberian and Asturian distribution of A. ater.…”

“…Due to its external resemblance, most authors confused both species, so the records of Arion ater must be revaluated in Asturias. Recently, with new genetic approaches, Peláez et al [101] stablished the members of Arion complex as separated species. Arion ater, among its great external variability, tends to be a large black species usually found in gardens, meadows, orchards and other ruderal and anthropized areas.…”

Characterisation of a Novel Acetyl Xylan Esterase (BaAXE) Screened from the Gut Microbiota of the Common Black Slug (Arion ater)

“…For example, a novel acetyl esterase targeting 4-O-methylglucopyranosyluronic acid substitution in glucuronoxylan was identified from a polysaccharide utilization locus (PUL), having been identified as a protein of unknown function [35]. The common black slug (Arion ater) is a plant-feeding organism and one of the most widespread plant pest species in Western Europe and North America [36]. The gut microbiota metagenomics of this organism showed a community of bacteria species known for lignocellulose degradation and well-characterised bacteria plant pathogens [37].…”