Fauna
Invertebrate · GBIF taxon 2293762

Florida Leatherleaf Slug

Leidyula floridana

Also 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
Florida Leatherleaf Slug reference1 / 7
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Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
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
Classification
  1. OrderSystellommatophora
  2. FamilyVeronicellidae
  3. GenusLeidyula
  4. SpeciesLeidyula floridana
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskModerate
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. 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.
Related species
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