Martinique: One of the most harmful slugs in the world more and more present on the island

espEce It is considered “a real plague” by scientists

Illustration of a slug. — jggrz/Pixabay

The presence of a species of slug among “the most harmful to crops in the world” has been observed in Martinique more and more frequently since the beginning of the year, announced this month a note from the Invasive Alien Species Resource Center (CRE-EEE). The species spotted, named Leidyula Sloanii, “has originated in Jamaica but was most certainly once known to have been found. introduced in Martinique with exotic plants,” this Thursday Régis Delannoye, expert in malacology (the study of molluscs), on the antenna of the local radio RCI.

Also known as the “slug” crepe” (pancake slug, in English) because of its mottled light appearance, the gastropod has been spotted in at least four municipalities of the half north of Martinique. “You can already see that she begins to expand,” Régis Delannoye.

Vectors of disease for humans

This slug, “the largest (…) observed in the Caribbean” according to the CRE-EEE, has been established in Florida as well as in Guadeloupe for more than ten years or so. she”s considered “a real plague” according to the scientist. “In our country, it attacks the trunks of banana trees, causing disease,” laments Régis Delannoye, claiming to have even seen it attacking itself. “a cactus”.

In addition to the damage it causes to crops, the presence of this slug constitutes a health risk for human beings because it can be “a vector of parasitic diseases (…) causing meningitis (which can be fatal).” Table salt or tobacco dust as well as molluscicidal powders are used to control its population in the other islands where it is located. it proliferates.