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:
- Body: Slugs typically have an elongated and soft body without a protective shell.
- 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:
- Eggs: Slugs lay translucent eggs in clusters in moist soil or hidden locations.
- Juveniles: After hatching, young slugs emerge and go through various stages of development.
- Adults: Adult slugs reach maturity and continue the reproductive cycle.
Management:
- Handpicking: Physically removing slugs from plants by hand, especially during the evening or early morning, can help control their populations.
- Barriers: Creating physical barriers, such as copper strips or diatomaceous earth, can deter slugs from reaching plants.
- Natural Predators: Encouraging natural predators, such as ground beetles, frogs, and birds, can help keep slug populations in check.
- 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.










