(Photo: © Mead 1943 modified by K. Weigel, University of Florida), U.S.: Alaska, California, Idaho, Oregon, Washington. Genus Ariolimax. Estivation occurs during hot, dry periods to prevent the slug from dessication. The slug buries itself in forest debris, secretes a protective layer of mucus, and becomes inactive. The retractor muscle is narrow and strap-shaped, and originates on the apex of the penis. Banana Slugs are herbivores. Banana slugs travel on a muscular foot over a thick layer of slime. (Photo: © K. Ovaska, CalPhotos), Ariolimax columbianus. When hiking through the redwood forest in Redwood National and State Parks one may encounter many spineless creatures, however, there are two that are highly visible and capture attention: the banana slug (Ariolimax columbianus) and yellow-spotted millipede (Harpaphe haydeniana). Northwest; they may be found in damp places under stones and logs, in leaf litter, or soil. In December 2019 I noticed that there were significant inconsistencies in the identification of the banana slugs (genus Ariolimax) on iNaturalist.Since then, I have gathered a collection of literature and reviewed each of the 12,500 or so observations present as of May 2020, correcting and confirming where I could improve the Community Taxon. It is one of the largest terrestrial mollusks, a group that also includes snails; it may grow to 7 inches (20 cm) long or greater. Banana slugs may be found in large concentrations, five slugs per square meter are not uncommon. Largest North American land mollusk. Name that slug: slug taxonomy. Millipedes belong to the arthropod class Diplopoda, which means “double legs”, they have two pairs of legs per body segment. Crescent City, CA The banana slug, being a land dwelling species, is a pulmonate gastropod. It is native to Europe, North Africa and the Atlantic Islands. Some banana slugs are bright yellow like their namesake, others are greenish or brown; some have dark spots and others few or no spots. Unlike centipedes, but like other millipedes, yellow-spotteds do not bite. It can grow up to 10 inches long, move about 6.5 inches per minute, and can have variations in coloration based upon diet, exposure to light and elements, and the moisture levels present in the atmosphere. The apical portion of the penis bears a flagellum that is 2 to 4 times the length of the basal portion. Banana slugs are often bright yellow (giving rise to the banana nomenclature) although they may also be greenish, brown, tan, or white. Ariolimax californicus Ariolimax columbianus Ariolimax dolichophallus After 2 Banana Slugs mate together, the male will eat his penis off. This robust slug can attain a length of 185 to 260 mm and may weigh up to 72 g at maturity. Banana slugs like a moist, cool environment and are native to the B.C. Color dependent on: Genetics. The Pacific Banana Slug ariolimax columbianus is one of three very large slugs found in BC. The male sex organ gets stuck inside the female genitalia and it is self-amputated or the male organ is chewed off by the other. They often are intercepted when they attempt to cross trails. The Pacific banana slug (A. columbianus), which is sometimes spotty, is the most widespread, and is found outside California. Banana slugs, a native Pacific Northwest species, are an important component of the forest ecosystem. The keel appears undulating in strongly contracted individuals and does not reach the mantle. 1111 Second Street The mantle and body of the slug is usually of uniform color; however, the mantle in any of the color morphs may possess dark-brown to black spots, while the body remains a uniform color. The leopard slug is a natural enemy of Spanish slugs. 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