Leopard (or Tiger) Slug

I found this large slug nestling in the lid of a compost bin. I immediately said ‘Ooh, it’s a tiger slug’ but it seems that it more often called a leopard slug. I can see why either name suits it pretty well.

It’s Latin name, Limax maximus, literally translates as ‘largest slug’. Although it can reach 16cm it actually isn’t the largest slug in the UK; the Ashy-grey slug can reach 25cm!

In this photo you can better see the mantle, at the front, which shows the leopard pattern. This large slug isn’t generally a problem to allotment holders. Its preferred foods are rotting veg and other slugs - yay! These slugs are our friends!