Slug ID

htcdude · #1 (**permalink**) 14-02-2011, 01:03 PM

Please could someone let me know what this slug is?

Thanks very much!

Nige

Fauna · #2 (**permalink**) 14-02-2011, 01:35 PM

This would be the Netted Field Slug Deroceras reticulatum, they have a few other common names.

Regards Chris...

htcdude · #3 (**permalink**) 14-02-2011, 01:55 PM

Thanks very much Chris! I used to see a slug and think...that's a Slug. Am hopefully going to try and ID all the slugs I find now

EDIT: Just searching the web, it also says it's the Grey Field Slug, si there any real difference? Is Netted a sub-species?

Cheers,

Nige

Jason Green · #4 (**permalink**) 14-02-2011, 06:23 PM

Evening Nigel,

These are two different common English names relating to the same species - Deroceras reticulatum. It also has a much more Northern counter-part species that has the same English name. It's easier to stick to the scientific term!

Take care,

Jason

htcdude · #5 (**permalink**) 15-02-2011, 07:56 AM

Heh OK thanks for that,don't know why species don't just have one scientific name and one common name

Thanks for the info

Nige

Jason Green · #6 (**permalink**) 15-02-2011, 08:04 PM

They do, in the former case. Sometimes there will be two species sharing a similar niche and often fairly similar-looking. One will occur in the South, with the 'counter-part' as I called it that takes over the Northern area. An example of this is the Winter Moth spp., Operophtera brumata occurring in the South, and the less-common Operophtera fagata in the North.

Fortunately most invertebrates have simpler-defined distributions.

Fauna · #7 (**permalink**) 16-02-2011, 07:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by htcdude

Thanks very much Chris! I used to see a slug and think...that's a Slug. Am hopefully going to try and ID all the slugs I find now

EDIT: Just searching the web, it also says it's the Grey Field Slug, si there any real difference? Is Netted a sub-species?

Cheers,

Nige

Good luck with your quest with the slugs. If you check through the slug/snail of the day thread, you will find several links to sites with keys/pictures to help you along your way.

Be warned, they are a confusing bunch to get used to. If you ever do get used to them that is. I'm still pulling my hair out with them.

Regards Chris...