Host Preference of Gray Field Slug, Derocerasreticulatum Muller, and Its Development and Longevity on Host Plants

摘要

This study was conducted to investigate food preference and developmental characteristics of the gray field slug, Deroceras reticulatum Mtiller (Stylommatophora: Limacidae) using various foods. The food preference of D. reticulatum was most highest onChinese cabbage (Brassica campestris L.), followed on cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.), and significantly low on beet (Beta vulgaris var. Ruba), kale(Brassicaoleracea L. var. acephala D.C), carrot (Daucus carota L.) and Chinese cabbage (Brassica campestrisL.) which were not different significantly. The total number of eggs laid by D. reticulatum was the highest (n = 109.6) on cucumber and the lowest (n = 10.1) on leaf perilla (Perilla frutescens var. japonica Hara). Hatchability was the highest (92.4%) on cucumber and the lowest (62.5%) on leaf perilla. The egg developmental period was not significantly different from 12 days to 13 days among host plants. Juvenile period and adult longevity ranged from 75 days to 111 days and 66 days to 187 days, respectively. Thereby, life span from egg to adult longevity of D. reticulatum was the longest on cucumber with 273 days and the shortest on 190 days on leaf perilla.