LIMAX. 189 



Genus LIMAX, Linn., 1740. 

 Section LIMAX (sensu stricto). 

 L. MAXIMUS, Linn. PL 46, figs. 31-35, 39 ; PI. 49, fig. 76. 



Animal ash-colored or yellowish white, longitudinally streaked 

 or spotted with black, shield always black- spotted, sole ash or 

 yellowish ash, always unicolored. Length, 6 inches. 



Europe. Introduced into the Eastern United States, Madeira. 



The species described by Linnaeus has been referred by some 

 authors to L. cinereo-niger, Wolf, distinguished by its parti- 

 colored locomotive disk ; they therefore have resuscitated other 

 names for this species, such as L. cinereus, Lister, and L. 

 cellarius, Argenville both objectionable because given by poly- 

 nomial authors. Whilst there may be some doubt as to 

 Linnaeus 7 species, there can be none as to the species which 

 most conchologists have identified with it, and in that sense I 

 preserve its name. 



It is Limacella parma, Brard ; L. maculatus, Nunneley ; L. 

 antiquorum (rfcirs), Fer. 



A large number of color varieties have been Described, promi- 

 nent among them being vars. serpentinus (fig. 32), vulgaris (fig. 

 34), cellarius (typical), Johnstoni, maculatus, Eerrussaci (fig. 35), 

 obscurus, fasciatus and rufescens, of Moquin-Tandon, and 

 Cornaliee, of Pini (fig. 76). 



Dr. J. Gwyn Jeffreys thus speaks of this species : 



" This is the largest species of Limax, and sometimes exceeds 

 six inches in length. It is inactive in its habits, not very 

 prolific, and exudes a thick and glutinous slime which is 

 iridescent when dried. Its eggs are deposited in a cluster and 

 slightly attached to each other. When alarmed, or at rest, this 

 slug merely draws its head within the shield, but does not other- 

 wise contract its body. When irritated, it is said to expand its 

 shield. It is liable to be infested, as well as some other slugs, 

 by a whit 2 parasitic mite, which swarms about its body and, 

 according to Mr. Jen} 7 ns, dwells in its respiratory cavity. Mr. 

 Daniel informs me that these slugs suspend themselves in pairs 

 during the breeding-season by threads of slime, and that they 

 always feed by night. Like all other slugs and snails, it will 

 soon eat its way out of a large pill-box, or even a stouter one 



