Bug Identifier
Slug (remains)
Community identification

Slug (remains)

Arionidae or Limacidae family

Order & Family
Order: Stylommatophora; Family: Various (e.g., Arionidae, Limacidae)
Size
Species dependent, typically 1 to 15 cm in length when alive and extended
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

Natural Habitat

Damp, shaded areas, gardens, under rocks, logs, and leaf litter

Diet & Feeding

Herbivorous or Detritivorous; they feed on various living and decaying plant matter, fungi, and sometimes animal carcasses

Behavior Patterns

Nocturnal and moisture-dependent; they move via muscular contractions of their foot and leave a protective slime trail

Risks & Benefits

They are gardeners' pests that consume crops; however, they benefit the ecosystem by breaking down organic matter. They can occasionally carry parasites like rat lungworm if ingested.