New invasive pest found in Manipur
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, August 13 2024: Manipur has reported presence of an invasive slug known as Purcell's hunter slug (Eleutherocaulis haroldi Dundee, 1980), which belongs to the Veronicellidae family.

This exotic slug was discovered feeding on various plants in the state.

Assistant Professor at the College of Horticulture, CAU (Imphal) Dr Rojeet Thangjam observed the slugs through a Facebook post on the "Manipur Flower Lovers" page.

The photograph was shared by Soibam Gokulchandra from Uripok Polem Leikai.

The slug was found on several plants, including mango, guava, ber, litchi, physalis, crepe ginger, banyan, colocasia, and cruciferous plants.

Dr Veronica Kadam, also an Assistant Professor at CAU, collected the slugs and confirmed their identity with Dr Sreeraj CR, Scientist-D at the Andaman and Nicobar Regional Centre, Zoological Survey of India.

Originally from KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, Purcell's hunter slug is endangered in its native habitat due to habitat loss.

It was first reported in India in Taloda, Maharashtra, in 2015 and has since spread to Northern India, including Noida in 2019, and Eastern India, including the Sunderban Biosphere Reserve in West Bengal in 2021.The slug is pale creamy to dark with irregular light bands on its dorsal side, giving it a wrinkled appearance.

The slug is believed to have entered Manipur through the import of ornamental flowers and other agricultural materials.

To manage this pest, it is recommended to handpick and destroy the slugs to prevent further spread.

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