Slug

The classification of Slug refers to one of the 100s or possibly 1000s of species of gastropod mollusk found throughout the world.

The term slug is polyphyletic, meaning it applies to a group of organisms that are generally linked under one name based on their shared characteristics and not due to sharing a common ancestor. Many different species from several different taxonomic families share the common name of a slug. The name means any sort of terrestrial gastropod that does not have a shell or a mollusk having little to no shell. Other mollusks include oysters, squid, and clams. Though slugs are not poisonous, they do often carry parasites that can be harmful to pets and humans.

5 Incredible Slug Facts!

• They have a top speed of .3km/hr
• Slugs can lay up to 500 eggs per year
• Slugs are hermaphrodites, so any slug can lay eggs
• The body of their body is called a foot
• Exist both on land and in the sea

You can check out more incredible facts about slugs.

Slug Species, Types, and Scientific Name

The common name and classification of slug refer to so many different animals, it would be impossible to list them all here. Some common species of slug include the Garden (Arion hortensis), the Banana (Ariolimax), the Leopard (Limax maximus), the Black (Arion ater), and the Kelly Slug (Geomalacus maculosus). Generally, they are referred to by the common scientific name Gastropod.

Appearance: How To Identify Slugs

These gastropods can be anywhere between half an inch to several inches long. They are typically oblong, being thicker in the center and tapered at each end. They have tentacles that look like antennae, on which they have eyes. They have a slimy, gelatinous appearance and feel to them. They may be a color similar to lawn debris, including gray, green, brown, black, and yellow. A very few species can even be red or orange. Some have dots or other patterns on their skin. They leave slime trails behind them which are often visible even when the creatures themselves are undetected.

“Slug vs Snail”

The primary difference between a slug and a snail is that a snail has a spiral-shaped shell into which its body can often retract, though this is not true of all species. Snails have a coiled body, whereas a slug’s body is straight. They both have eyes on stalks and they both travel on slime.

Habitat: Where to Find Slugs

These slimy critters can be found all over the world. They are commonly found in damp areas, such as under rocks, logs, and ground debris. They will also hide under raised planters and decks. When foraging, they can be found on porches and even climbing on containers, especially if food is kept inside. They like feeding on plants and debris and so will be found anywhere those can be found.

Diet: What Do Slugs Eat?

Most species of these mollusks are omnivores, feeding on both plants and animals, but there are also herbivorous and carnivorous types. Some are even detritivorous, meaning they consume only plant and animal waste. The majority of species eat mostly plant matter, but they will also sometimes consume worms, snails, or the remains of dead animals. Some can also be found feeding on fungus.

If you’ve ever wondered what slug poop looks like, check out this article on everything related to slug poop.

Prevention: How to Get Rid of Slugs

Getting rid of these once they’ve invaded is a tough proposition. Many of the commonly used methods are either dangerous for humans and pets or actually result in drawing more of the creatures to the area because of the smell of dead slugs. Beer traps are often recommended as a home remedy, but this too draws in more animals than it kills. Though salt will kill a gastropod this is not a recommended practice.

The best way to truly rid a garden of slugs is to bring in a predator, such as chickens, ducks, or turkeys. If that is not an option, the best solution is likely collecting them in plastic bags and putting them in the freezer before disposing of them in a covered trash bin. This isn’t a nice solution, but it decreases the smells that will attract new ones and is not dangerous to other wildlife. Alternatively, protect the garden itself with copper mesh and tape or slug-proof plant covers.