Limax maximus  Linnaeus 1758

Leopard Slug, Great Grey Slug, Spotted Gardenslug, Giant Garden Slug

Life-size model

Zoological classification

Gastropoda
Order: Stylommatophora
Family: Limacidae

Habitat

Omnivorous slug, ground-dweller. Hiding under pieces of wood, stones, in crevices etc. Copulates hanging on a slime thread attached to a plant branch. Originally probably a woodland species. Great adaptive ability, often lives in human-disturbed habitats: compost, gardens, cellars, vegetable warehouses, cemeteries, parks. May damage plant cultivations. Quite common, but never forming dense populations.

Sources

Probably native to S and W Europe, perhaps also to N Africa. Present-day distribution covers almost entirely Europe including Scandinavia and the Caucasus. Introduced to South Africa, North America, Australia, Tasmania, New Zealand.

Further information

The mating habits of Limax maximus are considered unusual among slugs: the hermaphrodite slugs court, usually for hours, by circling and licking each other. After this, the slugs will climb into a tree or other high area and then, entwined together, lower themselves on a thick string of mucus, evert their white translucent mating organs (penises) from their gongopores (openings on the right side of the head), entwine these organs, and exchange sperm. Both participants will later lay hundreds of eggs

Description of the model:

The model of the single slug was modelled in co-operation with Philipp Bauer. The Mating was modeled by using the studies of René Heim. All models are made of high quality epoxy resin and coloured using non-fade paint and varnish. Modelmaker: Susanne Klein

Dimension:

length of the mating slugs incl. mating organs: 15.2 cm

max width: 3.5 cm

total length of the model: 60 cm

Price:

215,00 €

Price of the Mating on demand

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Reference for the text:

Wiktor 2001 (Fauna Graeciae 8): 79.