Invertebrate
Slender Banana Slug
Ariolimax dolichophallusAlso known as Santa Cruz Banana Slug
Slender banana slugs glide methodically across the redwood floor, recycling decomposing plant matter and dispersing vital fungal spores through their digestive tract. Their vibrant yellow coloration acts as a visual deterrent, signaling the presence of sticky, tongue-numbing mucus that repels potential predators. During prolonged dry spells, individuals seal themselves against logs with a layer of dried slime to enter a dormant state known as estivation.
DetritivoreMolluskNocturnal
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Diet & preyFruiting Fungi, Decaying Redwood Needles, Lichens
Predators
- Pacific Garter Snake
- Pacific Giant Salamander
- Raccoon
ThreatsSevere drought, habitat fragmentation, and pedestrian trampling on hiking trails.
HabitatsMoist coastal redwood and Douglas-fir forest floors.
Life span1–5 years
Classification
- OrderStylommatophora
- FamilyAriolimacidae
- GenusAriolimax
- SpeciesAriolimax dolichophallus
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
- Watch Your Step: Scan forest trails carefully after rainfall, as slugs readily cross exposed dirt paths.
- Do Not Touch: Salts and chemical residues on human skin can rapidly dehydrate and damage their permeable bodies.
Habitat Partner (c) Miguel Vieira, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Miguel Vieira · cc-by
Predator (c) Andrew Lie, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Predator "Aquatic Garter Snake" by sarahstierch is licensed under CC BY 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/. · cc-by
Close Relative Thomas Schoch / CC BY-SA 2.5 · cc-by-sa
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