Ash-grey Slug - Limax cinereoniger

A large, handsome slug which grows to 100-150mm long. Usually ash-black in colour it has a prominent pale keel. The mantle always lacks spots or markings but these may be present on the body and tail. The sole usually has a pale centre stripe and the mucus is clear.

Juveniles are often toffee brown with an all-white sole. The keel is always at least half the length of the body (tail to mantle) and the tentacles are generally grey and spotted.

Adults:

• large woodland slug (up to 150mm)
• mantle always ash-black
• pale and prominent keel, especially near the tail

Ancient or long-established woodland.

All year.

It feeds on fungi and is a good climber and generally very mobile. It lives for up to five years, maturing after two years. It can self-fertilise but mates suspended from vegetation with genitalia as long as the body.

Widespread but local and uncommon in the eastern lowlands of England.

Rare. Found only at three sites in the last 30 years: Charnwood Lodge, Ulverscroft and Stoneywell.