Leopard Slug
Leopard Slug Introduction
Leopard slugs were probably named for their brown and gray spots, but certainly not for their speed. Leopard slugs are quiet and slow; they typically come out at night (nocturnal) to eat plants, fungus, and even other slugs.
Leopard slugs tend to live near humans in damp gardens, cellars, or woods. They hide under stones or in the cracks of fallen trees. They can vary in color from brown or grey to yellowish white.
Like snails, they have a shell, but the shell is inside their body and is known as a shield. If threatened, they draw their head under the shield. Leopard slugs lay hundreds of yellowish, rubbery eggs that hatch about a month later. The eggs are loosely clustered in mucus. Leopard slugs have both male and female sexual parts.
Keywords to learn
Nocturnal: feeds at night
Detrivore: eats dead plants, bark, and fungi
Voracious: possessing an extraordinary appetite
About Me
Hey Kids, my name is Logan the Leopard Slug and I am very happy to meet you. Learn more about me and my species https://www.kids.nationalgeographic.com
Key Data
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Order:Stylommatophora.
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Lifespan:2.5 to 3 years.
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Class:Gastropoda.
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Scientific name:Limax Maximus.
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Mass:3 ounces.
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Length:4-8 inches.
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Region Found:Native to Europe, but now found in many parts of the world
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Population Status:Least concerned.
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Current population trend:Stable.
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Diet:Omnivorous.
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Sexual maturity:2 years.
As you have just learned, leopard slugs are known for their spots and their voracious eating habits. Now that you know more about the leopard slug by learning the key data above, be sure also to check out the fun facts. When you are finished learning the facts, try answering the questions in the Q&A corner on the bottom right side of the page.
Download questions about the Leopard Slug here: Leopard Slug (answers are on this page)
Leopard Slug Fun Facts for Kids
- # 1. Leopard slugs were first known in Europe and Mediterranean Africa. Today they live all over the world, including North and South America.
- # 2. These slugs are voracious eaters and cause extensive damage to gardens and farms.
- # 3. Leopard slugs are detrivores, which means they feed on dead plants and fungus. They’re part of nature’s clean-up crew.
- # 4. They eat other slugs, pursuing them at a relatively fast rate of 6 inches per hour.
- #5. Leopard slugs sometimes carry a nematode that can cause meningitis in humans.
Q&A Corner
- # 1. Name two ways leopard slugs may be detrimental to humans?
- # 2. How are leopard slugs beneficial to humans?
- # 3. Where do leopard slugs live?
- # 4. Where in the world do leopard slugs live?
- # 5. What is their habitat like?
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