Integrated morphological, molecular, histological, and antimicrobial analysis of the leather leaf slug Eleutherocaulis alte from Assiut Governorate, Egypt.

ABSTRACT: The leatherleaf slug Eleutherocaulis alte from Assiut Governorate, Egypt, was investigated using an integrative approach combining morphological, molecular, histological, and bioactivity analyses. Morphological characterization revealed a dorsoventrally flattened body with a brown dorsal surface marked by a pale median line, dark spots, and a narrow central foot. Mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) gene sequencing confirmed its identity as E. alte, showing 98.23% similarity to Laevicaulis alte, and the sequence was deposited in GenBank (OR162029). Scanning electron microscopy demonstrated porous mucus-secreting surfaces essential for locomotion and adhesion, while histological examination revealed distinct secretory cell types within the epidermal and subepidermal layers, including

SUBMITTER: Ali SM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12779638 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature