I found another Banana Slug in my backyard! These fantastic looking slugs are the second largest in the world.
It is definitely slimy, but that didn’t seem to bother the little insect grabbing a ride on its back in the photo above.
Looking at the slug’s other side we can see the hole through which it breathes, called a pneumostome. Just like snail shells are usually on a snail’s right side (as I posted about last week), pneumostomes are on a slug’s right side.
Here’s a nice closeup of the mantle, which is the front portion of the slug. Also visible is the black dot at the end of its tentacle through which it senses light (slugs don’t really see like we do).
Very interesting!
My son was petting one of these at Tryon Creek State Park a few days ago…
Oooh, that’s a fattie! Ever lick one?
Hmmm…no. Should I???
Oh yes! It’s a ritual of passage that should not be missed! The slime numbs your lips/tongue–generations of Outdoor-School-going kids have experienced this.
Now that you know, how can you resist?
Did I mention before that Eugene has an annual celebration called “SlugFest” and they name a Slug Queen. Usually she (sometimes he) dresses up like a banana slug. Only in Eugene.