Leopard Slug
Scientific name: Limax maximus
Click to enlarge image
Leopard Slug, Limax maximus
Image: Matthew Bulbert
© Australian Museum
© Australian Museum
Fast Facts
-
Classification
- Genus
- Limax
- Species
- maximus
- Subfamily
- Limacinae
- Family
- Limacidae
- Super Family
- Limacoidea
- Infraorder
- Limacoidei
- Order
- Stylommatophora
- Superorder
- Eupulmonata
- Infraclass
- Euthyneura
- Subclass
- Heterobranchia
- Class
- Gastropoda
- Phylum
- Mollusca
- Kingdom
- Animalia
-
- Size Range
- 20 cm
This is the largest of the introduced slugs found in Sydney.
Identification
The name Leopard Slug is derived from the slug's dark spots on its light brown body.
Habitat
The Leopard Slug is found in urban areas.
Distribution
The Leopard Slug is found throughout Australia.
Feeding and diet
The Leopard Slug feeds on dead animal tissue, cat food and pet faeces.
Breeding behaviours
Slugs and snails are hermaphrodites, having both male and female reproductive organs. When they mate, Leopard Slugs become entwined and lower themselves from their branch on a thread of mucus to exchange sperm. After the exchange has taken place they return via the mucous thread, eating it as they go.
