Slug (General)
Scientific Name: Gastropoda (Class)
Order & Family: Order: Stylommatophora; Family: Various (e.g., Limacidae, Agriolimacidae)
Size: Varies by species; typically 1/4 inch to 10 inches depending on age and type.
Natural Habitat
Damp, moist environments, gardens, under rocks, logs, and in leaf litter.
Diet & Feeding
Herbivorous or detritivorous; they feed on decaying organic matter, fungi, and living plant tissues like leaves and fruits.
Behavior Patterns
Nocturnal and active in humid conditions. They move using a muscular foot and leave a characteristic slime trail of mucus.
Risks & Benefits
Benefits: They assist with decomposition and nutrient cycling. Risks: They are common garden pests that damage plants; some species can carry parasites like rat lungworm if ingested by pets or humans.
Identified on: 1/11/2026