Leopard Slug Limax maximus

Species Information
Length 100 to 150mm. Also called the ‘Great Grey Slug’ or the ‘Giant Garden Slug’, this is a large slug which is yellowish-grey to pinkish in colour, although this can be quite variable, with distinctive dark brown blotches and spots. It has a pronounced dorsal keel, and the sole is whitish. Its mucus is sticky and clear.

It feeds on fresh and rotting plants of many kinds, and fungi. Commonly associated with human habitation, and is found in gardens, cellars and outbuildings. It is also found in damp and shady hedgerows and woods. It hides during the day under logs and stones. Common and widespread.

Classification

Class:
Order:
Family:
Genus:
Species:

Gastropoda (Slugs & Snails)
Pulmonata (Lung-bearing Slugs & Snails)
Limacidae (Keelback Slugs)
Limax
Limax maximus Linnaeus, 1758

Photographs

Sept. 2021. Local wood, South Staffordshire
Sept. 2021. Local wood, South Staffordshire
Sept. 2021. Local wood, South Staffordshire
Sept. 2021. Local wood, South Staffordshire
Sept. 2021. Local wood, South Staffordshire
Nov. 2012. Warley Woods, West Midlands

All photographs copyright © Peter Hillman
Please see the ‘about‘ page for details on use of images