Image: Invertebrate Zoology Lab

Classification:

Phylum: Mollusca
Class: Gastropoda
Scientific Name: Agriolimax
Common Name: Giant Slug

General Characteristics:

The Giant Slug grows to an average of 4" and lives for about 3 years. They are usually grey in coloration with a lighter color underbelly. Giant Slugs have 4 tentacles on their head used to gather sensory information from their environment. Individually, the Giant Slug is hermaphroditic and both individuals will lay fertilized eggs after mating. Like other slugs, the Giant Slug primarily feeds at night or during cloudy, rainy days. They will feed on leaves, flowers and fruits of plants. In addition, they will also eat other dead animals and occasionally other slugs.

Habitat:

The Giant Slug lives in fields, woods, and gardens. In order to keep their bodies moist, they prefer damp, shady places. During the day time, Giant Slugs will take shelter under rocks or logs.

Importance to Humans:

Giant Slugs can be considered a pest to gardeners and will inflict a great deal of damage to plants when populations are high. However, they also will control the populations of certain weedy plants.

Sources:

"Limax maximus". Shetland Biological Records Centre. Retrieved from: http://www.fcps.edu/islandcreekes/ecology/leopard_slug.htm.