Invertebrate · GBIF taxon 2293762
Florida Leatherleaf Slug
Leidyula floridanaAlso known as Florida Leatherleaf
Florida leatherleaf slugs feature a flattened, leathery upper mantle with a pale cream stripe running down the central ridge. Lacking an internal or external shell, these nocturnal gastropods move smoothly across moist leaf litter, lawns, and gardens to feed on decaying organic matter and young shoots. During dry spells, they burrow into soft soil or retreat beneath rocks and fallen logs to retain moisture.
NocturnalMolluskTerrestrial
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Fallen leaves
- Plant seedlings
- Fungi
Predators
- Toads
- Garter snakes
- Ground beetles
ThreatsFreezing temperatures, urban development, chemical molluscicides
HabitatsSubtropical gardens, agricultural fields, moist leaf litter, suburban lawns
Life span1–2 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyVeronicellidae
- SpeciesLeidyula floridana
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskModerate
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is moderate
- May carry rat lungworm parasite larvae; wash hands thoroughly after handling soil or outdoor produce.
- Why it is dangerous
- Acts as an intermediate host for rat lungworm, a parasite that can cause severe neurological illness if ingested.
- How to recognize a risky encounter
- Recognizable by a smooth, flattened mantle with a pale central line running lengthwise.
- What to do
- Avoid handling with bare skin, and thoroughly wash garden produce before eating.
Responsible observation
- Nighttime searching: Look under damp leaf litter or potted plant saucers after dark using a flashlight.
- Hygiene care: Wash hands thoroughly with soap after handling garden soil, landscaping materials, or wild slugs.
- Garden management: Keep yard debris moist in designated compost areas away from sensitive crop seedlings.
Image unavailableCo-Occurring Slug 
Close Relative (c) Laura Clark, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Laura Clark · cc-by
Close Relative (c) Cricket Raspet, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Cricket Raspet · cc-by
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