urbpan: (Snail)
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A dusky slug dormant and fully retracted on a chilly day, in Olmsted Park.
Photo by [livejournal.com profile] cottonmanifesto.

Urban species #307: Dusky slug Arion subfuscus

It can sometimes be hard to believe that a creature very familiar to you, that you associate with your surroundings, is an alien. Rabbits were introduced into Britain by the Romans; dandelions were brought to North America from Europe; pigeons were once a strictly Mediterranean species, but have become citizens of every urban place on Earth. In a similar way, today I learned that the slug that I see almost every day is originally from Europe. I already knew that the large and attractively patterned leopard slug was introduced from the old world, brought across the Atlantic clinging to a leaf, or tumbled in a ship's hold full of soil. But I assumed that the more plain, grayish to yellowish, much smaller and more numerous slugs that are under every log I turn over, were native. These slugs, which have the common name "dusky slug" are even found at the rural wildlife sanctuary where I work--there are never leopard slugs there. As it turns out, the dusky slug's presence in North America was first detected in the early 1800s, in Boston.

Dusky slugs are quite variable in color, and produce an orange mucus that can make them look almost golden yellow. Like other slugs they are largely nocturnal, emerging from concealment at night and during wet weather. They perform lowly but important recycling duty, eating fungi and animal feces, but will also become agricultural pests if they have the chance. They particularly favor soft plants like lettuce and strawberries.







See also the photos for wolf's milk,

Date: 2006-11-05 04:22 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] wirrrn.livejournal.com

Slugs are keen. Like snails but without the baggage *g*

Date: 2006-11-05 04:27 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] martianmoons.livejournal.com
I know they like strawberries! And that the orange mucus, particularly if it dries, is very hard to wash off ones hands (I have known that since I was a young boy! ;)

Date: 2006-11-05 12:02 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] artemii.livejournal.com
They particularly favor soft plants like lettuce and strawberries.

and, as every shade gardener knows, their favorite delicacy is the leaf of a hosta. :)

Date: 2006-11-06 12:47 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] fledchen.livejournal.com
::sniffle:: I'm really surprised my hostas survived this season, despite being made into lace.

Eggs

Date: 2006-11-06 12:48 am (UTC)
From: (Anonymous)
You should put some pictures of their eggs. I found loads of eggs under logs and rocks just the other day! I am assuming that many overwinter in the egg form.

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