Geomalacus oliveirae facts for kids

Geomalacus oliveirae is a type of land slug that breathes air. It's a small, soft-bodied animal that belongs to the group called gastropods, which also includes snails. This particular slug is part of the Arionidae family, often called "round back slugs."

Where it Lives

This special slug can be found in a few places:

• Portugal: Specifically in an area called Beira Alta.
• Spain: You can find it in regions like Toledo, Cáceres, and Salamanca. In Spain, it's considered sensitive to changes in its home, meaning its habitat needs to be protected.

What it Looks Like

Geomalacus oliveirae is a light-colored slug with four black stripes or bands on its body. The bands closer to the middle aren't perfectly straight and might have breaks in them. The bands along the edges are very clear against its lighter body. When preserved, this slug can be about 20 millimeters long.

Its Home and Habits

Geomalacus oliveirae likes to live in certain kinds of environments. In Portugal, it prefers Mediterranean shrubland, which is an area with lots of bushes and shrubs. It also likes places with granitic rocks. You might find it under trees like Betula (birch), Pinus (pine), and Juniperus (juniper) at elevations below 1,300 meters. In Spain, these slugs are often found under pine trees and in olive orchards.

See Also

• In Spanish: Geomalacus oliveirae para niños