Genus: Prophysaon
Common name: Taildroppers
Family: Anadenidae
Prophysaon foliolatum, yellow-bordered taildropper
There are seven species of native Oregon taildroppers. They are not commonly seen since they tend to be more restricted to natural habitat than many of the exotic slugs. Only P. andersoni has been reported as an occasional pest.
Origin: Pacific Northwest
Diet: Decaying plant material and fungus.
Behavior: When attacked by a predator they can lose a portion of their tail, which distracts the predator while the slug gets away.
Where in Oregon: Widespread in western Oregon.
Similar exotics to look for: Most likely to be confused with species of Arion.
Diet: Decaying plant material and fungus.
Behavior: When attacked by a predator they can lose a portion of their tail, which distracts the predator while the slug gets away.
Where in Oregon: Widespread in western Oregon.
Similar exotics to look for: Most likely to be confused with species of Arion.
Prophysaon andersoni, reticulate taildropper
Prophysaon andersoni, reticulate taildropper