Pest ID - Ask Extension
Interested in identification and remediation advice.
Knowledgebase
Pest ID #871428
Asked June 03, 2024, 8:54 PM EDT
Interested in identification and remediation advice.
Kent County Michigan
Expert Response
Hello Matt
The insect in the picture is the dusky arion slug (Arion subfuscus). Unlike snails, they have no visible shell. It feeds on plants and usually does not cause a major problem. However, if you observe the number growing, you would need to take it seriously. Mostly active during the night, they prefer cool, damp conditions. Because they have a high reproductive rate, they can become a huge problem in gardens.
They feed on vegetables like cabbage, lettuce, and celery; fruits such as strawberries and citrus; and flowers such as marigolds, daffodils, and tulips.
I found a great article from Pennsylvania State University Extension that describes common slugs, including the dusky arion slug. While this article was written mostly for farmers, the information about slugs and management practices can be applied to the home garden, also.
https://extension.psu.edu/slugs-as-pests-of-field-crops
I hope you find this helpful, but don't hesitate to contact us again if you have further questions or need more information.
Have a nice weekend.
The insect in the picture is the dusky arion slug (Arion subfuscus). Unlike snails, they have no visible shell. It feeds on plants and usually does not cause a major problem. However, if you observe the number growing, you would need to take it seriously. Mostly active during the night, they prefer cool, damp conditions. Because they have a high reproductive rate, they can become a huge problem in gardens.
They feed on vegetables like cabbage, lettuce, and celery; fruits such as strawberries and citrus; and flowers such as marigolds, daffodils, and tulips.
I found a great article from Pennsylvania State University Extension that describes common slugs, including the dusky arion slug. While this article was written mostly for farmers, the information about slugs and management practices can be applied to the home garden, also.
https://extension.psu.edu/slugs-as-pests-of-field-crops
I hope you find this helpful, but don't hesitate to contact us again if you have further questions or need more information.
Have a nice weekend.