Bug Identifier
Slug (General)
Community identification

Slug (General)

Gastropoda (Unranked)

Order & Family
Order: Stylommatophora; Families vary (e.g., Limacidae, Agriolimacidae)
Size
Common garden species range from 1 to 15 centimeters depending on maturity and species.
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

Natural Habitat

Damp environments, gardens, leaf litter, and under rocks or logs where moisture is high.

Diet & Feeding

Mostly herbivorous, feeding on plant leaves, fruits, and decaying organic matter; some species are omnivorous or predatory.

Behavior Patterns

Nocturnal and moisture-dependent; they secrete mucus to aid movement and prevent desiccation. They are hermaphroditic.

Risks & Benefits

Benefits: Act as decomposers in the ecosystem. Risks: Significant garden pests; some species can carry parasites like Rat Lungworm if ingested by humans or pets.