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Spanish slug


Spanish slug
Photo Information
Copyright: Tadeusz Sikorski (cysorz) Silver Star Critiquer/Silver Note Writer [C: 27 W: 3 N: 43] (344)
Genre: Animals
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2008-05-25
Categories: Molluscs
Exposure: f/3.2, 1/50 seconds
More Photo Info: [view]
Photo Version: Original Version
Date Submitted: 2008-05-28 6:21
Viewed: 372
Points: 2
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note [Polish]
The Spanish slug, more commonly known in English-speaking countries under its Latin name, Arion lusitanicus, is a highly invasive slug species that is often considered a pest in areas where it is not indigenous, and often in places where it is.
The species originates from the Iberian Peninsula, although it is noticed far more often in northern parts of Europe, where it was first discovered in the mid-1900s. The animal is about the same size as its relative, the black slug, growing to a maximum size of about 12 cm. The local name of the slug in the regions it has invaded is typically a translation of "Spanish slug." In recent years, as its dominance has increased, it has been nicknamed "killer slug", perhaps due to its tendency to eat dead or weaker individuals of the species, although its destructive impact on gardens may seem just as appropriate a reason for the name. The main reason behind problematic invasions of gardens by the Spanish slug is that it is a hermaphrodite, meaning that one single slug can start an infestation. Offspring numbering up to 100 eggs may be produced. Bad export control may also be a cause, as the main route for the slugs to spread is through careless handling of imported produce from Spain and Portugal.
In recent years, it has been found that the Spanish slug has bred with the indigenous black slug to produce a more frost-resistant variety in more northerly regions (Wikipedia).
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To matatur: cysorzcysorz 1 05-29 06:39
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Critiques [Translate]

A lovely and tender looking mollusk, your "Spanish slug" Tadeusz, The open pneumatophore (breathing opening) is very evident in this sharply focused image, the soft and moist skin is also finely rendered with its characteristic texture. They are hermaphrodites, yes, but I think they still need two individuals to mate and cross-fertilize each other...
Mehmet

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