Leopard Slug
Limax maximus
What it is
Limax maximus (literally, "biggest slug"), known by the common names great grey slug and leopard slug, is a species of slug in the family Limacidae, the keeled slugs. It is among the largest keeled slugs, Limax cinereoniger being the largest.
Where and when to find it
- Habitat
- Common in gardens, damp forests, and under logs and rocks across much of the United States.
- How to find it
- Look under rocks, logs, and leaf litter. They are most active after rain or at night.
- Best time of day
- Nighttime or after rain, especially in spring and fall.
How it lives
- What it eats
- Decaying plants, fungi, and sometimes other slugs.
- What eats it
- Hedgehogs, some birds, toads, shrews.
Worth knowing
- They are one of the largest slugs in the world.
- They have two pairs of tentacles and can move each pair separately.
- They practice a very unusual mating dance, hanging from a mucus thread.
- They can live for several years.
- Their slime helps them move and protects them from drying out.
- They are sometimes called 'tiger slugs' because of their spots.
Why it matters
Leopard slugs help break down decaying plant matter, returning nutrients to the soil. They are part of nature's cleanup crew.