Deroceras is a taxonomic genus of small to medium-sized air-breathing land slugs in the family Agriolimacidae.
Description
Most species reach only 30–35 mm in length (max 45 mm). Coloration varies considerably within and between species but common patterns are pale cream, with or without darker flecks (never stripes), and a more uniform light gray or brown to black-brown. Mucus is usually colourless but in some species includes a white deposit when the slug has been disturbed. No keel continues from the tail along the back. The mantle is large (up to half the body length), containing a shell plate internally. The pneumostome lies in the posterior half of the mantle. Generally external appearance does not reliably distinguish one species from certain others, so species identification requires dissection to reveal the genitalia, unless the local species diversity is known to be low.
The taxonomy, anatomy and other aspects of the biology of this genus were reviewed in 2000, and the diverse mating behaviors were reviewed in 2007.
