First record of Arion vulgaris Moquin-Tandon, 1855 (Arionidae) from Armenia
Citation
Arzumanyan M (2024). First record of Arion vulgaris Moquin-Tandon, 1855 (Arionidae) from Armenia. Biodiversity Data Journal. Checklist dataset https://doi.org/10.3897/bdj.12.e121176 accessed via GBIF.org on 2024-12-11.Description
Arion vulgaris Moquin-Tandon, 1855 is amongst the fastest-spreading terrestrial slugs Europe-wide. In recent years, it has been recorded in Canada, Mexico and continues to expand eastwards into Eurasia. Renowned for its high invasiveness, combatting its swift spread creates significant challenges in organising effective preventative measures.This study presents the first record of Arion vulgaris from Armenia, which is the second record of this species' invasion of the Caucasus. In 2022, a substantial population of A. vulgaris was observed close to the City of Stepanavan, which is also the first record in Armenia of the family Arionidae. How the species was introduced to Armenia remains unknown. Identification of Arion vulgaris was conducted, based on external and genital morphology and mitochondrial CO1 (cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1) gene sequencing, revealing notable similarities with Central European clades. Our results confirm the introduction and distribution of A. vulgaris to Armenia. Invasion of such species into Armenia will require additional monitoring and would be aided by further research on Armenia’s mollusc fauna in the future.Taxonomic Coverages
Geographic Coverages
Bibliographic Citations
Contacts
Meri Arzumanyanoriginator
position: Dr
Department of Zoology, Yerevan State University, Alex Manoogian 1, 0025
Yerevan
AM
email: arzumanyan.meri@ysu.am
Meri Arzumanyan
metadata author
position: Dr
Department of Zoology, Yerevan State University, Alex Manoogian 1, 0025
Yerevan
AM
email: arzumanyan.meri@ysu.am
Meri Arzumanyan
administrative point of contact
position: Dr
Department of Zoology, Yerevan State University, Alex Manoogian 1, 0025
Yerevan
AM
email: arzumanyan.meri@ysu.am