Slugs Diet

Slugs are found commonly in gardens and lawns, and many of these creatures can pose a threat to garden plants. It's important to know what slugs eat so you can protect your garden--or even keep the slugs as pets.

  1. Garden Slugs

    • The garden slug is one of the most common, and is black or brown in color. It usually has a yellow stripe on the side. These slugs eat plants and fruits, which is why they are seen as garden pests. It might be best to ask an exterminator about the best ways to get rid of these slugs, since they can have a lifespan of a few years.

    Black Slugs

    • The black slug is one of the largest varieties of slugs and prefers a moist living environment, which is why many homeowners find them in their basements and lawns. This slug eats both plants and carrion (dead animals). A black slug will also eat mushrooms or decaying plants.

    Leopard Slugs

    • The black spots on the leopard slugs make the creature very easy to see--even in a field or garden, where these slugs usually live. Leopard slugs also live in the woods and are nocturnal. The slugs feed on carrion in addition to eating leaves and flowers. Leopard slugs have also been known to eat other slugs, but have a number of predators as well, including toads, birds and turtles.

    Meadow Slug

    • The meadow slug is the smallest variety of slug found in Florida. The creature can be brown or grayish in color, and some have white specs. Meadow slugs can be found under mulch or wood debris, but can live in a variety of places, from Arctic climates to locations in Central America. The slugs feed on garden plants and cultivated flowers, but will also eat the moss and other plants found in swamps and marshes.

    Additional Information

    • Many slugs can live for up to 3 years, so keeping lawns and gardens protected is essential. Slugs also lay eggs in places like compost heaps and soil, and younger slugs will feed on plants and fruits as well. Planting a garden in a place where a number of birds nest or near a pond where there are frogs can reduce the number of slugs in a lawn or garden.