Slugs belong to the phylum of molluscs, in the class Gastropoda, which are soft-bodied invertebrate animals.

Slugs are related to snails, but do not have a shell. All slugs have a protective coat of slime and a distinctive head with protruding tentacles, which have eyes at the end. The tentacles are used to smell and locate food. Slugs eat plants so they are a great pest in the vegetable garden; some species are carnivorous and eat other slugs, snails, and earthworms.

Slugs have to keep their skin damp, so they normally come out to feed at night or when it is wet. This is why slugs are more of a problem in the garden during wet weather.

The slug’s skin dries out in hot, dry weather. So during dry weather they shelter in crevices, hide under rocks or go underground. This is why the garden should be kept tidy, so that there are no hiding places for slugs.

The slug moves by gliding its flattened body (foot) over the ground, and leaves a slimy mucus trail.

There are many types of slugs including the common garden slug (latin name - Arion hortensis) and the great grey slug (Limax maximus)

Slugs damage a whole range of vegetables in the garden.

• lettuce is eaten by slugs.

• slugs gnaw their way round strawberries, leaving grooves and slime

• Slugs eat the main stem of young seedlings, which often kills the plant. Courgettes and squash are particularly at risk
• Slugs eat potatoes, and make holes in them.

For information on slug control click here