Range
The Pacific banana slug can be found in foggy moist forest habitats of western Oregon.
Description
The Pacific banana slug is the second-largest species of terrestrials in the world, growing up to 10 inches long and weighing up to 4 ounces. They are often bright yellow, although they may also be green, brown or white. Some slugs have black spots.
Diet and habitat
Banana slugs are considered general herbivores that eat all kinds of leaf litter, green plants and fungus. They are common in moist forest habitats.
Predators and threats
Their coloring allows them to camouflage with leaves on the forest floor. This serves as protection from such prey as beetles and raccoons.
Reproduction
They secrete a protective layer of mucus. The slime also contains pheromones to attract other slugs for mating. Females lay up to 75 translucent eggs in logs or on leaves. Slugs mate and lay eggs throughout the year. The adults provide no further care for their eggs, which will hatch in 3 to 8 weeks.