Slime and Sources: Gathering Details for a Banana Slug Report

Fact Card: Banana Slugs

1Banana slugs live in the damp forests along the Pacific coast of North America. Many of them make their homes among tall redwood trees. Their name comes from their color and shape. Many are bright yellow, and some have brown or black spots, like a ripe banana. Others are green, brown, or even white.

2A banana slug is a mollusk, a soft-bodied animal with no backbone. Snails are mollusks, too, but a slug has no outer shell to hide in. Banana slugs are among the largest slugs in the world. A big one can grow about as long as a banana.

3A banana slug has two pairs of tentacles on its head. The upper, longer pair can sense light and smells. The lower, shorter pair helps the slug feel and smell the ground in front of it. On the right side of its body is a small breathing hole called a pneumostome.

4Banana slugs are decomposers. A decomposer is a living thing that breaks down dead plants and animals. Banana slugs eat fallen leaves, mushrooms, and animal droppings. Their own droppings put nutrients back into the forest soil.

Leo's Interview with Mr. Reyes

1Leo: Why are banana slugs so slimy? Mr. Reyes: "Slime is a banana slug's most useful tool. The slug glides along on a layer of slime, so it can crawl over sticks and rough ground. Slime also keeps its skin from drying out."

2Leo: Does the slime protect it from enemies? Mr. Reyes: "It helps. The slime is thick and sticky, and many animals don't like the taste. Even so, raccoons and some birds will eat banana slugs."

3Leo: When is the best time to see one? Mr. Reyes: "Come on a cool, wet morning. On hot, dry days, banana slugs hide under logs and fallen leaves to stay moist. Last week, right after a rainstorm, I counted nine of them crossing one short trail."