Slug Love
As the days get longer, those of us in the Pacific Northwest might be thinking it is time to get back in the woods and do some hiking. Keep your eyes on the surrounding vegetation and you might spot some large slugs engaging unique courtships. Banana slugs are native to the Pacific Northwest and are the largest slug found in North America. These slugs are hermaphrodites, meaning they can be both male and female, and both can become pregnant while mating! Courtships can last up to 12 hours and banana slugs may appear to be engaging in a dance. Something to keep your eyes peeled for out in our damp, lush forest.
Viewer Tip: Starting to get ready for the upcoming gardening season? Unlike many of the non-native slugs that can be a nuisance in the garden, banana slugs are thought to have no negative impacts on garden plants.
Seasona: Spring, Summer, Fall
This information is provided by the Port Townsend Marine Science Center. Learn more at www.ptmsc.org.
(Source: The Western Society of Malacologists Field Guide to the Slug)
