If you don’t like large, slow-moving, slimy things then today’s Wild Fact on the Leopard Slug may not be your favourite. Although, if you stick around you will learn that one of the largest keel air-breathing land slugs is actually quite fascinating. Although the Leopard Slug, also known as the Great Grey Slug, is thought to be native to Europe, they can be found pretty much everywhere. Our North American readers may even recognize them since these slugs were introduced to the east and west coasts of the continent. Just think how long it must have taken for a slug to travel from Europe to North America!

Large and Slimy

The adult Leopard Slug can typically reach a length of 20 cm (8″) which is quite large when you remember that this is a slug. Although, the colour variations in this particular species is variable they tend to be light grey colour with dark splotches. I guess they kind of look like a Leopard but I am not sure if this is why they received their common name. The tentacles of the Leopard Slug are generally long and slender with the mating pore being found at the base of the right tentacle.

Thrill Seekers

Speaking of mating, this slug species has an unique method for mating. The two slugs head to a tree or an edge, circle each other (which must take awhile) and then become intertwined. At this point the two slugs will fall from the branch and remain hanging by a long thread of mucus. I guess it is a little like bungee jumping. Who would have thought that the Leopard Slug is a thrill seeker. Since slugs are hermaphroditic, both the male and female will be able to lay eggs. I told you this slimy creature would be fascinating.

A Trail of Slime

The Leopard Slug is nocturnal, which means they come out at night to begin looking for food. This particular slog eats a variety of items including leaves, flowers, fruit, mushrooms, carrion and will actually hunt other slugs. I am sure you have noticed a trail of slime that follows a slug. These animals actually travel on a “cushion” of slime, which leaves this trail behind. The nice thing about the trail is it allow the Leopard Slug to return to their feeding grounds the next night. I guess it is similar to Hansel and Gretel dropping bread crumbs.

That does it for the Leopard Slug. I hope you enjoyed our slimy Wild Fact.