What do leopard slugs eat in British gardens?

Leopard slugs primarily consume dead plant matter, fungi, and the carcasses of small animals.

Why should I not kill leopard slugs?

Leopard slugs are beneficial as they act as decomposers, clearing garden waste rather than eating living plants.

When do slugs lay eggs in gardens?

Slugs typically focus on breeding and laying eggs during the wet autumn and winter seasons.

Home / Environment / Garden Slugs: Don't Kill This Helpful Eater!

Garden Slugs: Don't Kill This Helpful Eater!

30 Nov

•

Summary

Leopard slugs are beneficial garden inhabitants.
These slugs consume dead plant matter, fungi, and even small carcasses.
Winter is the breeding season for most garden slugs.

Garden Slugs: Don't Kill This Helpful Eater!

Gardeners across Britain are being advised to refrain from eliminating a specific type of slug, particularly during the wetter autumn and winter months. While many gardeners consider slugs to be pests, the leopard slug offers a unique benefit to gardens.

These distinctively spotted slugs are not a threat to living plants. Instead, their diet consists of decaying organic material such as dead plants, fungi, and even the remains of small animals like mice or birds. This makes them valuable decomposers in the garden environment.

During the current season, which is a key breeding period for most slug species, the leopard slug plays an important ecological role. By clearing away dead matter, they contribute to a healthier garden, contrasting sharply with the destructive habits of other common garden slugs.

Disclaimer: This story has been auto-aggregated and auto-summarised by a computer program. This story has not been edited or created by the Feedzop team.