Invertebrate · GBIF taxon 2294099
Western Dusky Slug
Arion subfuscusAlso known as Dusky Slug, Dusky Arion
Western dusky slugs range in color from bright orange to dark brown, often secreting a distinct yellow or orange mucus when disturbed. They thrive in damp woodlands, gardens, and forest leaf litter, actively foraging at night or after rain showers. Native to Europe, this adaptable mollusk has expanded widely across moist habitats in North America.
NocturnalMolluskTerrestrial
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Fungi
- Decaying leaves
- Plant seedlings
Predators
- Toads
- Ground beetles
- Garter snakes
ThreatsPesticides, extreme drought, habitat desiccation
HabitatsDeciduous and coniferous forests, gardens, damp woodlands
Life span1–2 years
Classification
- OrderStylommatophora
- FamilyArionidae
- GenusArion
- SpeciesArion subfuscus
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
- Nighttime Searching: Look along damp forest paths and garden edges shortly after sunset or during rainstorms.
- Gentle Observation: Avoid handling directly to prevent sticky orange mucus from adhering to skin.
Look-Alike no rights reserved, uploaded by Thomas · cc0
Competitor (c) Rachel Lee Harper, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Rachel Lee Harper · cc-by
Predator Wilson44691 / Public domain · cc0
Close Relative Cwmhiraeth / CC BY-SA 3.0 · cc-by-sa
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