First Record of Purcell’s Hunter Slug (<i>Laevicaulis haroldi </i>Dundee, 1980) in Saharanpur District of Western Uttar Pradesh, India

Terrestrial gastropods of the family Veronicellidae represent ecologically significant components of soil invertebrate communities, yet their distributional dynamics across India remain incompletely documented. Here, we report the first confirmed occurrence of Laevicaulis haroldi Dundee, 1980 commonly designated Purcell’s Hunter Slug in Kulheri village, Saharanpur district (29°52′54.5″N 77°16′18.3″E), western Uttar Pradesh. Field observations and systematic quadrat sampling were conducted across a two-month post-monsoon period (October–November 2025) in agricultural field margins. Population densities ranged from 0.75 to 2.25 individuals m-2 across sampling events, with a progressive increase in mean density from 1.25 ± 0.38 ind. m-2 (October) to 1.90 ± 0.30 ind. m-2 (late November). Spatial distribution analysis revealed an aggregated pattern, evidenced by a variance-to-mean ratio of approximately 1.3. Specimens were observed foraging on Amaranthus sp. and Ageratum sp., demonstrating phytophagous activity consistent with this species’ documented pest status. This record extends the verified range of L. haroldi within Uttar Pradesh and corroborates ecological niche model predictions of northwestward range expansion. Baseline population data presented herein are essential for regional invasive species monitoring and integrated pest management planning in Saharanpur’s intensive agricultural landscape.