17 September 2012

Attack of the Giant Slugs

The Independent reports that a plague of “super-slugs” has arrived in the UK from Spain, travelling on imported salads and flowers.



 “The Spanish Slug (Arion vulgaris) and a close relative nicknamed the Spanish Stealth Slug (Arion flagellus) are both an invasion threat,” said Gordon Port, an invertebrate expert from the Newcastle University. “Both species are known to be present in the UK, but in mainland Europe they have produced plagues and it is only a matter of time before the same thing happens here.”

The giant Spanish slug, which can grow up to 15cm long, has already travelled as far as Wales. They produce hundreds more eggs than native slugs meaning they are capable of overrunning British species. They could also spread parasites and diseases that could wipe out native slugs.

The slugs aren't picky when it comes to eating. They've been known to eat through dead rabbits, dog faeces and even their fellow slugs. Drivers are also at risk. The plagues of slugs are known to cause slicks on the road where they have been run over and squashed.
 
Another non native species that has the potential to cause trouble. Not the first and won't be the last

4 comments:

Syncopated Eyeball said...

15 centimetres! Aiiieeeeeee!

jams o donnell said...

It's a big bugger isn't it

SnoopyTheGoon said...

Oh boy, it certainly takes a lot of lettuce to feed that critter.

jams o donnell said...

There may not be enough lettuce in the world!