abseiling slug ID

Ape · #1 (**permalink**) 29-01-2011, 12:06 PM

Hello,
I've nearly ran into the slug last August as it was 'abseiling' from a doorframe using its own slime as a 'rope'. Any ideas what species (probably quite common) it is?

(I guess this is the place where to ask, since there isn't any mollusks forum on this site, or is there?)

Fauna · #2 (**permalink**) 29-01-2011, 07:31 PM

Hi Ape, great capture.

This looks to be a Deroceras sp, most likely the Grey Field Slug (Deroceras reticulatum). There is another that can be confused with D. reticulatum when it is a pale colour like yours and thats D. agreste. This is a much rarer slug and is mostly found in the north, mainly upland areas of Scotland...dissection is needed to seperate.

I'm unsure if Deroceras panormitanum can be found this pale, i have yet to notice one myself. These tend to be a smaller slug, mostly a brownish colour and translucent looking.

Regards Chris...

Ape · #3 (**permalink**) 31-01-2011, 05:14 PM

Hi Chris,
thanks for your help with the id. I found another picture of the slug

I think I might have sartled it, so it plunged down for 'safety'. Is this behaviour common for slugs?
Cheers Ape

Fauna · #4 (**permalink**) 31-01-2011, 08:38 PM

Yes, i believe it is common for them to do this, though i'm unsure how often people come across it though, i've only witnessed it a few times. I've never seen a snail do it though. You may be familiar with the way Limax maximus can decend down on a slime rope to mate...if you have not seen it, then you must google it.

Your new pic as thrown me a bit, i don't know if i'm looking at it right, but there seems to be a dark line runing down its back as a keel. If this is so, then it will be something else and not a Deroceras sp. Do you have another pic of its back?

Regards Chris...

Ape · #5 (**permalink**) 01-02-2011, 05:22 PM

I've only seen it on telly (David Attenboroughs Life in the undergrowth, my favourite series

)
These are all the pictutes of the slug I took.

I tried different camera settings to see which one works best. I hope they help.

Fauna · #6 (**permalink**) 01-02-2011, 05:39 PM

I do like these shots

These shots clearly shows no keel running the length from tail to mantle. So by the looks of it, it is indeed Deroceras. You can see in one pic that the sole is buff which would relate to Deroceras reticulatum/agreste...Deroceras panormitanum will be grey.

Regards Chris...