Milky Garden Slug – Deroceras reticulatum

Milky Garden Slug– Deroceras reticulatum Common Name: Milky Garden Slug Latin Name: Deroceras reticulatum Appearance: The Milky Garden Slug is medium-sized, typically growing up to 3-4 cm long. It has a pale grey or beige body with a mottled pattern and is covered in slimy mucus. Egg: Milky Garden Slugs lay tiny, white or translucent eggs in clutches of around 30-50 in damp soil or debris. Pupae: Slugs do not have a pupal stage in their life cycle. Larva: The young Milky Garden Slugs hatch from the eggs and resemble the adult slugs but are smaller and lack full coloration. Adults: The Milky Garden Slug is a medium-sized slug, typically growing up to 3-4 cm long. It has a pale grey or beige body with a mottled pattern and is covered in slimy mucus. Host plants: The Milky Garden Slug feeds on various plants, including vegetables, herbs, flowers, and fruit. Territory: The Milky Garden Slug is found throughout Europe and has been introduced to other parts of the world. Damages caused by Milky Garden Slug: The Milky Garden Slug can cause significant damage to plants by feeding on the leaves, stems, and reproductive structures. This can result in reduced yields, stunted growth, and even death of the plants. Life history and Habits: The Milky Garden Slug is hermaphroditic, meaning each individual has both male and female reproductive organs. They mate and lay eggs throughout the year in damp soil or debris. The young slugs hatch and feed on plants, overgrowing and reaching maturity within a few months. Milky Garden Slugs are most active at night and prefer damp, humid conditions. Control measures for Milky Garden Slugs include using physical barriers, such as copper tape, and applying molluscicides.