Greenhouse Slug

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SLUGS AND SNAILS
Greenhouse Slug

DESCRIPTION

Adult - An adult greenhouse slug is 50 to 70 mm in length. The body color is gray or black without distinct markings or patterns. The mantle is slightly granulose but not concentrically wrinkled, the central portion bounded by a horseshoe-shaped groove. The breathing pore is on the right posterior half of the mantle. The body is strongly keeled from mantle to posterior end. The mucus is colorless.

Eggs - Greenhouse slug eggs are opaque to whitish, oval, and about 2.5 mm in diameter.

Fig 142 Greenhouse slugs. Milax gagates (Draparnaud), Limacidae, STYLOMMATOPHORA

BIOLOGY

Distribution - The greenhouse slug was introduced into the United States from Europe. It is found throughout the temperate regions of the world.

Damage - The greenhouse slug differs from most pest slugs in that it is a burrowing species. It can cause serious injury to roots and stems. A few seen on plants and stems means that many more are below the soil surface.

Life History - Eggs are laid in a tunnel 3 to 5 cm from the soil surface, either singly or in clusters of up to 16. The adult slug plugs the end of the tunnel with mucus material which dries to resemble the soil surface. Eggs hatch in 11 to 24 days depending on the temperature. Parthenogenesis has been observed in the greenhouse slug. There is little information available on the life history of the greenhouse slug. One study noted that slugs preferred drier sites during the day and moved to more humid areas at night.

CONTROL

Control of the greenhouse slug consists primarily of placing baits in likely areas the slugs would encounter. The effectiveness of such baits is greatly increased by placing the bait under a board, pot, or flat.

For specific chemical control recommendations, see the current Cooperative Extension publications on ornamental plant pest management or consult your county Extension agent.

Reference to University of Florida/IFAS Pest Control Guides