Slugs

I was out on my daily hike with my pup when I nearly stepped on this slug. Fascinated by the slug, I decided to capture an image. Just as I clicked my camera my pup lowered her head to investigate. Here are a few interesting facts about slugs.

?Slugs are trans-gender, hermaphroditic with both male and female sex organs.

?Admittedly, slugs are well lubricated. Slime, though a rather prejudicial term, can be quite handy. Mucus is used for locomotion, self-defence, moisture control, trail finding, and mating. Produced by various glands on the slug body including the pedal gland, some slime is very slippery easing movement while another type of slime produced is actually viscous and can increase traction.

?Slugs use two pairs of tentacles to sense their environment. The larger, upper pair, termed "eyestalks," are used to detect light or movement. The second, lower pair are used to detect chemicals. The tentacles can retract and extend themselves to avoid damage.

While I recognize slugs can be a nuisance, they have a role in our environment. Slugs are decomposers. They process leaves, animal droppings, and dead plant material, and then recycle them into soil humus. They are fond for mushrooms, and they spread seeds and spores when they eat, and excrete a nitrogen rich fertilizer. By consuming detritus (dead organic matter) slugs contribute to decomposition and the nutrient cycles and are an important aspect of the ecosystem.