Slug

Damp, moist environments such as gardens, forests, mulch, and leaf litter; frequently active following rain.

Mostly herbivores or detritivores, eating decaying plant matter, fungi, and living garden plants; some species are predatory.

Nocturnal and moisture-dependent; they move via a muscular foot and secrete a mucus trail to prevent dehydration and assist movement.

Benefits include breaking down organic matter in ecosystems; risks include being significant garden pests and potential carriers of parasites (like lungworm) if accidentally ingested.