Happy Mystery Monday! Can you guess what is pictured in photo #1?The answer to last week’s mystery is the leopard slug, Limax maximus, pictured in photo #2.
Leopard slugs are usually spotted and grow 4-5 inches long. They are an invasive species that is native to Europe but are now found in all continents except Antarctica.
These slugs are hermaphroditic, having male and female characteristics; however, they cannot self-fertilize.
Leopard Slugs are not harmful to the garden as they feed on rotting vegetation, which helps recycle garden waste for the soil. They thrive in damp areas, like under mulch or garden debris.
Mystery Monday is sponsored by the Spy Newspapers and Adkins Arboretum.
Write a Letter to the Editor on this Article
We encourage readers to offer their point of view on this article by submitting the following form. Editing is sometimes necessary and is done at the discretion of the editorial staff.