Species: Limax maximus
Common name: Giant garden slug, leopard slug
Family: Limacidae
The leopard slug is one of the most commonly encountered species in Oregon. Fortunately, they are not usually garden pests, although they will occasionally enter homes.
Origin: Europe
Diet: Primarily fungus, but also decaying plant and animal material and occasionally green plants.
Behavior: While mating, they hang upside down from a string of mucus with their genitalia intertwined below them.
Where in Oregon: Widespread.
Similar exotics to look for: There are two additional species of Limax in Europe. These lack markings on the mantle and are typically paler.
Diet: Primarily fungus, but also decaying plant and animal material and occasionally green plants.
Behavior: While mating, they hang upside down from a string of mucus with their genitalia intertwined below them.
Where in Oregon: Widespread.
Similar exotics to look for: There are two additional species of Limax in Europe. These lack markings on the mantle and are typically paler.
