{"id":4418,"date":"2011-01-27T11:11:32","date_gmt":"2011-01-27T16:11:32","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/ipm\/"},"modified":"2023-02-03T10:39:47","modified_gmt":"2023-02-03T15:39:47","slug":"5036e","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/ipm\/ipddl\/publications\/5036e\/","title":{"rendered":"Slugs"},"content":{"rendered":"

\n \n \"Print\n <\/a>\n <\/div><\/h3>\n

Pest Management Fact Sheet #5036<\/h3>\n

James F. Dill, Pest Management Specialist
\nClay A. Kirby, Insect Diagnostician<\/em><\/p>\n

For information about UMaine Extension programs and resources, visit extension.umaine.edu<\/a>.<\/strong>
\nFind more of our publications and books at extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Description & Biology<\/h3>\n

Slugs are legless, boneless creatures. They are similar to snails, but have a raised mantle on the back instead of a shell. Slugs overwinter mostly as eggs, but adult slugs can survive Maine winters if they hide in areas protected from freezing.<\/p>\n

The gray garden slug<\/strong> is the most common and most destructive. This \u00be-inch pest varies in color from whitish yellow to nearly black, with brown specks and mottling.<\/p>\n

The spotted garden slug, also known as the giant slug or leopard slug,<\/strong> can range from 3 to 7 inches long. These slugs become lighter in color as they age. The yellowish mantle usually has three rows of black spots that continue to the end of the body. The species is found primarily on islands and along the coast, but it is slowly becoming more common inland as well.<\/p>\n

The tawny garden or yellow slug<\/strong> length extends to about 3-4 inches. It is usually recognized by its yellow mantle, and lighter spots on a yellow body. This type is less common than the gray garden or spotted garden slugs.<\/p>\n\n\t\t