Slug (or possibly a specific species like the Gray Garden Slug)
Scientific Name: Gastropoda (Class); possibly Deroceras reticulatum
Order & Family: Stylommatophora (Order); Agriolimacidae (Family)
Size: Varies significantly by species; garden varieties often range from 1 to 5 centimeters (0.5 to 2 inches) in length.
Natural Habitat
Found in moist environments, gardens, under rocks, decaying logs, and typically active at night or during rainy weather.
Diet & Feeding
Herbivorous and detritivorous; they feed on living plant leaves, stems, fruits, as well as decaying organic matter and fungi.
Behavior Patterns
Slugs move by gliding on a muscular foot lubricated with mucus (slime). They are hermaphrodites, meaning each individual possesses both male and female reproductive organs. They are nocturnal and hide in cool, damp places during the day to avoid dehydration.
Risks & Benefits
Risks: Major agricultural and garden pests that can consume large amounts of seedlings and leafy greens. They can also carry parasites like the rat lungworm. Benefits: They aid in decomposition by breaking down organic matter and returning nutrients to the soil.
Identified on: 3/7/2026