Limacus flavus

green-gold slug with spots on moss — *Limacus flavus,* https://idtools.org/tools/1075/images/limacus_flavus_MI.jpg

General Description

Adult slugs are yellow to a grey-green color. Tentacles are pale bluish or bluish black in color. Adults range in length from 75 to 115 mm. The mantle is oval and has ridges that appear to have a fingerprint-like pattern on it. The pneumostome is surrounded by a lighter halo and located on the rear of the mantle. The sole of the foot is yellow-white. Body mucus is yellowish and very adhesive, foot mucus is colorless. This species has been found to carry the nematode Angiostronglyus cantonensis which can cause eosinophilic meningitis. Humans can pick up the nematode through ingestion of the slugs, or through contaminated water or vegetables.

Identification

Large, up to 130 mm, yellow green or yellowish brown slug with a centrally located broken pale stripe. Tentacles are a blue or black color and contrast body color.

Impact

Damage stored goods and produce. May also feed on ground crops in gardens.

Management

Individual slugs can be hand collected and destroyed. Xeric barriers and an effective monitoring plan will help limit exposure.

Where to look

This species occurs in diverse habitats ranging from compost piles, gardens and woodlands to greenhouses. This species is working up the West coast and is currently found in California.

Other Resources