Slug
Scientific Name: Gastropoda (Unranked Class)
Order & Family: Order: Stylommatophora; Family: Various (e.g., Limacidae, Agriolimacidae)
Size: Typically 1 to 15 centimeters depending on the species.
Natural Habitat
Damp, shady environments such as gardens, forests, under leaf litter, rocks, or damp areas of human habitations.
Diet & Feeding
Mostly herbivorous, feeding on fungi, decaying plant matter, and living green plants. Some species are carnivorous or omnivorous.
Behavior Patterns
Primarily nocturnal to avoid dehydration; they move by gliding on a muscular foot lubricated by mucus (slime). They are hermaphrodites.
Risks & Benefits
Benefits: They are important decomposers that recycle nutrients. Risks: They are a common garden pest that can damage crops. Some species can carry parasites like the rat lungworm if accidentally ingested.
Identified on: 1/13/2026