Tag Archives: Large red slug

The ballerina and the slug

28 Friday Oct 2022

Posted by in autumn, fungi, molluscs

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Two slugs in one week – what were the chances? But when I glimpsed this gorgeous Pink waxcap (also known as the Ballerina waxcap) (Hygrocybe calyptriformis) almost hidden in a small grassy hollow and gently smoothed back the grass around it to take my photo, I found this Large red slug nestled alongside. If a slug could smile, this one would be grinning from ear to ear, and I imagine the waxcap had mostly been consumed by the next morning.

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A live slug

24 Monday Oct 2022

Posted by in molluscs, slugs

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I was rather concerned when, last month, I read a report that ecologists were concerned the slug and snail populations may have been devastated by the summer heatwaves and drought (The Guardian, 27 September 2022). Though I’m sure many gardeners would rejoice at this news, their slimy little enemies do play an essential part in our ecosystems, breaking down vegetation and aerating soils, as well as being food for birds, hedgehogs, etc. Fortunately, for the slugs and snails, they are apparently excellent reproducers so their populations should bounce back next year. Still, I was really pleased to spot this handsome Large red slug (Arion rufus) sliding along the path during yesterday’s walk.

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A Large red slug

19 Tuesday Jul 2016

Posted by in nature, slugs

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Gardeners will look at these pictures and want to squash this not-so-little critter or, if they’re feeling kindly, drown it in beer – what a way to die! – whereas when I found this slug, I thought ‘Wo, what a wonderful looking creature you are!’

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Having been a gardener and lost many a cherished seedling to the ravages of my slug’s cousins, I can certainly sympathise with their need to destroy all slugs.

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And, perhaps if I still had a garden, I might have been tempted. But even then, I don’t know. I mean it’s just so cute.

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Look at that pretty orange-and-black-striped skirt! Look at that dimpled brow!

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And when it began to poke out its little tendrils / eyes and waved them at me, I was lost.

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This is probably Arion rufus, commonly known as the Red slug, the Large red slug, the Chocolate arion or the European red slug.

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