Going Bananas for Banana Slugs

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Watch your step! That’s not a littered banana on the trail, it’s a banana slug! These bright yellow native slugs are right here in the Santa Clara Valley. We know, it’s bananas! Keep reading to learn five facts about these fascinating creatures. 

California banana slug on a leaf littered floor
Photo by Theo Summer on iNaturalist

Nature’s recyclers 

These slimy decomposers are the ultimate recyclers. Their diet depends on factors like season and location, but they typically feed on plants, leaves, flowers, fungi, algae, scat (poop) and even the flesh of dead animals. By doing this, they help to replenish the soil and keep their habitat clean.  

California banana slug on a thin tree branch
Photo by Mark G. on iNaturalist

Slimy Superpowers 

Banana slug slime is no joke. Their slimy exterior helps them move across the forest and send signals to other slugs while protecting them from predators. As these slugs travel, they leave a trail of slime encoded with details about their health, location and reproductive status that only other banana slugs can read (check out this article from our friends at POST). Their slime is so unique, it contains a chemical that numbs the mouth and throat of predators that attempt to eat the slug. Not only does slime serve as defense, it’s also useful for collecting food. As banana slugs move across the land, their slimy coats pick up debris for them to snack on later. 

Close up of a California banana slug on a mossy surface
Photo by Theo Summer on iNaturalist

Living their best lives 

Banana slugs thrive in damp environments with plenty of leaf litter and shade. During extreme hot and cold seasons, they may bury themselves in leaf litter and slime to emerge when conditions are ideal. They love moisture, so keep your eyes PEELED for banana slugs after it rains! 

California banana slug on a white mushroom on a leaf littered floor
Photo by Theo Summer on iNaturalist

Banana slug species 

There are eight species of banana slugs. Some have brown spots, resembling a browning banana, while others range from bright yellow to shades of brown and green. The most common species in California are the California banana slug (Ariolimax californicus) and slender banana slug (Ariolimax dolichophallus). Both of these native species are a vibrant golden yellow. 

california banana slug on the ground
Photo by Jocelyn Sanchez on iNaturalist

Slow and steady 

These big yellow mollusks are the largest slugs in North America, but they’re also the slowest! Banana slugs can grow up to ten inches in length and move slowly at a whopping 4 to 7.5 inches a minute. Talk about taking it easy! 

Next time you see a banana slug, look but don’t touch! Touching them can dry out their skin and cause them unnecessary stress (plus you’ll get all slimy). Admire their banana-like beauty from a distance.  

Want more?

Learn more about banana slugs and other native critters in our Santa Clara Wildlife at a Glance guide! 

Check it out!

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