Leopard slug, great grey slug
The leopard slug (Limax maximus) is a conspicuous and very variable colored slug. Adults can reach lengths of up to 20 centimetres when stretched out. The base color can be beige or grey, and there are also pure white specimens.s. The stripes and spots are usually black, but can also be dark brown in color.
Limax maximus only appears in the evening and is nocturnal. As soon as the first rays of sunlight appear in the morning, it retreats into a hiding place. At least that’s how the specimens in my garden do it.
It can be seen during the day after rain if the ground and vegetation are damp.
Family: Keelback Slugs (Limacidae)
Origin/distribution: The leopard slug is native to most European countries and can occur wild in other regions such as North America and South America (source).
Habitats: Limax maximus colonizes forests, embankments, shrubbery edges and, as a cultural successor, also gardens or parks.
Food: Limax maximus is a mixed feeder on dying or living plants, fungi and carrion. I have not observed it eating the eggs of other snails, as is often claimed, but I cannot rule it out.
Categories: Land Snails | Molluscs
