Introduction
Slugs are terrestrial gastropods that are found all around the world. They need a cool, moist environment to survive (Cranshaw 2013). Due to this, slugs are believed to be more active during the night when the temperatures are cooler and the humidity is higher (University of Alaska Fairbanks 2012). Unfortunately, due to their habitat exclusion and their habits, information on their ecology is limited (Getz 1959). The reason that slugs are so hard to track and study is due to how many factors influence their behaviors. “…concluded that the activity was not controlled by a single factor or even by any simple combination of factors, but was a function of the changing combinations of a complex of factors (Crawford-Sidebotham 1972).” Studies have shown that several environmental variables play a role in slug activity. Hommay et al. (1998) stated “The activity rhythms of slugs depend on several environmental factors, such as photoperiod, temperature, and humidity.” Throughout the year, and even …show more content…
Some believe that it holds almost no effect, while others believe that it plays a key role. It is known that slugs produce a mucous as they move, leaving behind a noticeable trail. This mucus is made up of 98% water, which leads to rapid water loss. During experiments, slugs have never been seen drinking water. (Dainton 1954) As with all living creatures water is essential to life, so the slugs must draw in water from somewhere. Dainton (1954) observed “…it was clear that the bulk of this water absorption must occur through the body surface.” This fact is what shaped the belief behind why slugs need a humid environment to survive in. “…that the body water lost in the production of mucus and evaporation through the permeable integument, may limit slug movement (Crawford-Sidebotham 1972).” The belief that developed was that slugs needed the high humidity to decrease water loss to the