Durham Slug

Durham Slug - Arion flagellus

Alternative names
Green-soled Slug
Description

60-100mm. Often greenish but can range from yellow to black. Usually larger than the similar A. subfuscus, it is also distinguished by its colourless mucous (orange in A. subfuscus) and the large tubercles on its back (only 6-9 rows between the dark bands behind the mantle). The crests of the tubercles are often pointed and may also be highlighted yellow. The sole is nearly always paler than the body and generally has a greenish tint. The foot fringe doesn't contrast with the body colour and the lineations don't extend very far across the sole.

Similar Species

Juveniles look similar to the Dusky Slug, Arion subfuscus, but can be distinguished by the coarse tubercles and dark head and tubercles. The Dusky Slug has particularly fine tubercles.

Identification difficulty
ID checklist (your specimen should have all of these features)
  • large, often pointed tubercles
  • clear mucus
  • pale, sometimes green tinted sole
  • usually dark head and tentacles
  • sole almost round when contracted
Recording advice

Unless identified by a recognised expert, a photo is required. If the photo doesn't show the key ID features then in the comments box describe the size and identifying characters you have observed.

Habitat

Disturbed habitats, wasteground, roadsides and gardens.

When to see it

All year but harder to find in the warmer months.

UK Status

Widespread but patchily distributed and probably under-recorded, most records coming from the western half of Britain.

VC55 Status

Uncommon in Leicestershire and Rutland but thought to be expanding.

Leicestershire & Rutland Map

MAP KEY:

Yellow squares = NBN records (all known data)
Coloured circles = NatureSpot records: 2025+ | 2020-2024 | pre-2020

UK Map

Additional images

All NatureSpot records