Inspired by the St(i)rling work of Peigi McCann to document the flora and fauna of Gillies Hill there is one species that remains to be studied. Ratty the Slugmeister has been contracted to carry out this final project and you can help by visiting this cache and reporting what you find.
The cache contains a log and there is room for trackables and slug related swaps (No live ones please). In your on-line log please report how many slugs you found in the cache and feel free to give them appropriate names & include pictures of your favourite slug set in their natural environment. Please also replace them in the cache as they are not swappables.
The Black Slug, also known as Black Arion with scientific name Arion Ater, is a species of large land slug, a terrestrial slug in the family Arionidae, the roundback slugs. Its size varies from 10 to 15 cm.
The color is generally black but is very variable and can even be white. The slug covers itself in a thick foul-tasting mucus which serves as both protection against predators as well as keeping it moist. It is difficult to wash off. It uses a combination of sticky & smooth mucus to alternately stick & release each end of its foot to move forward.
The black slug is mainly nocturnal and avoids exposure to sunlight. It is omnivorous, eating carrion, fungi, and vegetation (living and decaying). The slug prefers moist conditions, such as lawns, making it an unwelcome sight for homeowners.
Allow yourself plenty of time to explore the Wonderful World of Slugs on Gillies Hill and enjoy meeting these unique characters.