MOLLUSCS

SLUGS

The Black Slug Arion ater and Red Slug Arion rufus are often treated as the aggregate Arion ater agg. when being recorded. The former is typically deep black, however it may also be brown or white. The latter is rust-brown, but can only be reliably told apart by dissecting the genitalia. These large species (10-15cm) are omnivorous, feeding on living and dead plants, rotting organic debris, fungi, dung, carrion, earthworms and even other slugs. A. rufus will often rock from side to side when irritated which may help distinguish it from A. Ater.