Slug

Natural Habitat

Slugs thrive in moist environments and are commonly found in gardens, forests, under rocks, logs, leaf litter, and in damp soil. They prefer areas with high humidity and can be found almost anywhere that provides adequate moisture and food sources.

Diet & Feeding

Slugs are primarily herbivores, feeding on a wide variety of plants, including decaying plant matter, fungi, and tender new growth. Some species are omnivorous and may also consume small insects, earthworms, and carrion.

Behavior Patterns

Slugs are nocturnal and prefer to feed at night or during damp, cloudy weather. They move by gliding on a muscular foot, secreting a layer of mucus that helps them move and protects them from dehydration and sharp objects. They are hermaphroditic, meaning each individual has both male and female reproductive organs, and can mutually fertilize each other.

Risks & Benefits

Potential risks include being significant garden pests, causing damage to crops, seedlings, and ornamental plants. They can also carry parasites such as lungworm, which can affect pets and, in rare cases, humans if infected slugs are ingested. Benefits include contributing to the decomposition of organic matter, thus aiding in nutrient cycling in ecosystems. They also serve as a food source for various animals like birds, hedgehogs, and some insects.

Identified on: 8/24/2025