Common garden slug

Arion distinctus

Overview:

Common garden slugs are members of the gastropod class Gastropoda and the order Stylommatophora. They are known for their soft, slimy bodies and their ability to move along surfaces, leaving a slime trail behind.

Identification:

  1. Body: Slugs typically have an elongated and soft body without a protective shell.
  2. Color: Colors can vary and may include shades of brown, gray, or black. Some species have distinctive markings.

Habitat:

Slugs thrive in damp and cool environments. Gardens, especially those with lush vegetation and moist conditions, provide an ideal habitat for slugs.

Feeding Habits:

Slugs are herbivores and feed on a variety of plant materials, including leaves, stems, and fruits. They are known to be particularly damaging to seedlings and young plants.

Life Cycle:

  1. Eggs: Slugs lay translucent eggs in clusters in moist soil or hidden locations.
  2. Juveniles: After hatching, young slugs emerge and go through various stages of development.
  3. Adults: Adult slugs reach maturity and continue the reproductive cycle.

Management:

  1. Handpicking: Physically removing slugs from plants by hand, especially during the evening or early morning, can help control their populations.
  2. Barriers: Creating physical barriers, such as copper strips or diatomaceous earth, can deter slugs from reaching plants.
  3. Natural Predators: Encouraging natural predators, such as ground beetles, frogs, and birds, can help keep slug populations in check.
  4. Beer Traps: Placing containers filled with beer at ground level can attract and trap slugs.

Note: There are several species of slugs, and specific identification may require a closer examination. Some common garden slug species include Arion distinctus, Arion ater, and Deroceras reticulatum.