Pacific Banana Slug
by Kathy Kelly
Title
Pacific Banana Slug
Artist
Kathy Kelly
Medium
Photograph - Photography
Description
The rare Pacific Banana Slug is the second-largest species of terrestrial slug in the world, growing up to 9.8 inches long, and weights 4.1 ounces. Individuals can move at 6 1⁄2 inches per minute and live up to 7 years.
Best known for its unusual sex life. When unfurled, a banana slug’s male genitalia can stretch the full body length of a six-inch slug. What’s more, like all terrestrial snails and slugs, banana slugs are hermaphroditic.
Banana slugs are often bright yellow (giving rise to the banana sobriquet) although they may also be greenish, brown, tan, or white. The species Ariolimax columbianus sometimes has black spots that are so extensive that the animal looks almost entirely black..
Like other gastropods and many other mollusks, Banana Slugs have a radula and a ribbon-like anatomical structure covered in rows of microscopic teeth.Slugs use two pairs of tentacles to sense their environment. The larger, upper pair, termed "eyestalks," are used to detect light or movement. The second, lower pair are used to detect chemicals. The tentacles can retract and extend themselves to avoid damage. If a predator bites off a tentacle, the slug can grow a new one.
Slugs use two pairs of tentacles to sense their environment. The larger, upper pair, termed "eyestalks," are used to detect light or movement. The second, lower pair are used to detect chemicals. The tentacles can retract and extend themselves to avoid damage. If a predator bites off a tentacle, the slug can grow a new one.
Uploaded
June 10th, 2017
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