Slug ID!

TheGreenMan

I’m currently sitting in my back garden. 

I saw this out of the corner of my eye IN THE DARK! 

It’s the biggest slug I’ve ever seen. It’s almost the size of a width of decking. 

My guess is this is the king/queen of slugs and that it rules not just this garden but most of the North East! 

Anyone know what type it is? 

I’m equally intrigued and disgusted! 

J. 

(“Normal” slug next to it for scale!) 

Fire

The mantle is quite distinctive. A five pence or a Coke can would be more useful for scale...

It would be quite fun to have 'biggest slug' competition.

TheGreenMan

I’ve moved it to the hedgehog end of the garden! 

It was about an inch tall and five long. 

Fire

Five inches is impressive.

TheGreenMan

@Fire

I am very squeamish when it comes to slugs. 

I had an unfortunate incident with slugs, a dead hedgehog and bare feet when I was on holiday as a child!! 

I have no issues telling you that I came inside after dispatching it to the wild end of the garden! 

*shivers* 

Fire

Eeew. I'd recommend scratching them behind the ears for a bit. It might help you get over the squeam.

TheGreenMan

Yep! 

wild edges

It's probably Arion rufus, the Large Red slug, they get up to 140mm or so according to the book but I'm sure I've seen bigger ones.

TheGreenMan

Yes I think you’re right. 

Here’s a video still of it when it was more compact. 

It was a beast. If they didn’t make me feel so icky I would’ve got something to help with the scale. 

Fire

This source says that arion rufus is rarely found in gardens...

TheGreenMan

It certainly looks like the ones on this page: https://species.nbnatlas.org/species/NHMSYS0001701897

And interestingly one has been recorded near me….