Pacific banana slug

Description:

The banana slug is the second largest slug. It can reach up to a length of 25 cm. The majority of banana slugs can easily be identified by their resemblence to a banana. They have yellow bodies with brown spots. Some banana slugs can be found with green, brown, or white bodies. The coloration of banana slugs can change accordingly with their diet and the amount of moisture in their environment. The bodies of banana slugs have a muscular foot for locomotion. They also posses a hump on their back and a mantle. Banana slugs have lungs that open to the outside through a pneumostome for respiration located on the right side of their mantle. Banana slugs have two pairs of tentacles. The larger of the two pairs of tentacles are used to sense the brightness of light. The second pair are used to sense smells. The banana slug is able to retract both pairs of tentacles to protect them from the surrounding environment. Banana slugs are covered with a slime that serves many purposes.

Habitat:

Banana slugs live in the floors of forests in the Pacific Northwest. Because they respire through their skin, they require a moist environment. Banana slug serve as decomposers in forests. They break down plant materials. They also spread seeds and spores while eating. They spend much of their time during the day in moist, dark areas like under logs or other forest debris.

Notes:

Spotted in Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, Vancouver island, Canada. (sources: see reference)