Error message
Unable to fetch location details at this time.
Gray Garden Slug
Deroceras reticultatum
43.7923, -75.8573
Field Notes
Description:
The gray garden slug is about 5
cm (2 in.) long when fully grown (fig. 2). It is variably colored,
ranging from cream colored with irregular gray spots to dark
brown with dark spots. The mantle is situated forward, near
the head, and the respiratory pore is behind the mid-point of
the mantle. The keel is located only at the tail. The gray garden
slug produces a milky slime when disturbed (fig. 3); this
slime distinguishes it from other species, many of which produce
clear slime.
Habitat:
Slugs need a certain amount of dampness or humidity to survive.
They are usually active at night or when it rains, and spend
sunny days under logs, sticks, stones, or crop debris such as
corn stalks. Many slugs are omnivorous; they may eat a variety
of foods such as fungi, dead worms, or dead insects, in addition
to green plants.
Comments (3)