Milky Slug
ExploreInvertebrate
Milky Slug
deroceras reticulatum
The Milky Slug is a soft, slimy creature that glides across the ground, leaving a shiny trail behind! This little slug loves to munch on leaves and other plants in the garden.
Habitat: Gardens, forests, and grassy areas.
Appearance
The Milky Slug is typically a pale grey or brown slug with a distinctive, often net-like pattern on its back. It has a slightly translucent appearance, making it look 'milky,' and two pairs of retractable tentacles on its head. Its soft body lacks a shell, distinguishing it from snails.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumMolluscaClassGastropodaOrderStylommatophoraFamilyAgriolimacidaeGenusDeroceras
Category
InvertebrateRarity
Common
Danger
0/5 · No known danger
Snaps
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Interesting facts
A Milky Slug's brain is no bigger than a pinhead, yet it navigates complex environments!
Milky Slugs are hermaphrodites, meaning each slug has both male and female reproductive organs!
These slugs can survive short periods underwater by closing their breathing hole!
They breathe through a small hole on their right side called a pneumostome, which opens and closes!
Special abilities
Ability
Slime Shield
Milky Slug has a sticky, defensive slime that makes it hard for predators to grasp and protects its soft body from drying out.
Ability
Tentacle Sensors
Milky Slug has two pairs of retractable tentacles: one pair detects light, and the other helps it smell and feel its way around.
Ability
Regenerative Recovery
Milky Slug can regrow lost tentacles or damaged parts, helping it recover from minor injuries or predator attacks.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 2-5 cm
- Weight
- 0.5-3 g
- Lifespan
- 0.5-2 years
Diet & Feeding
Milky Slugs are omnivores, munching on a variety of plants, fungi, and decaying matter.
Primary Foods
- lettuce
- cabbage
- mushrooms
- dead leaves
- carrots
- small decaying invertebrates
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
eaten by
Blackbird
Turdus merula
Blackbirds frequently forage for slugs in gardens and fields.
eaten by
European Hedgehog
Erinaceus europaeus
Hedgehogs are natural predators, consuming many slugs and snails.
eaten by
Ground Beetle
Carabus nemoralis
Many species of ground beetles prey on slugs and their eggs.
eats
Lettuce
Lactuca sativa
The Milky Slug often feeds on tender plant leaves, including lettuce.
Traits
Solitary
Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
Grassland
Grassland habitats are terrestrial biomes dominated by grasses and herbaceous plants, supporting a variety of grazing animals.
Herbivorous
This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material.
Decomposer
Describes organisms that break down dead organic material, recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem.
Nocturnal
Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day.
Also known as
Common SlugGarden SlugReticulated Slug
Collections
Safety
Danger
0/5 · No known danger
No special safety notes yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Milky Slug?
2-5 cm
How much does Milky Slug weigh?
0.5-3 g
How long does Milky Slug live?
0.5-2 years
What does Milky Slug eat?
Milky Slugs are omnivores, munching on a variety of plants, fungi, and decaying matter.
Where is Milky Slug usually found?
Gardens, forests, and grassy areas.
How does Milky Slug hunt?
Foraging
Snap Map
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