banana_slug_biology
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| ======Banana Slug Biology====== | ======Banana Slug Biology====== | ||
| =====Taxonomy===== | =====Taxonomy===== | ||
| - | The term "banana slug" refers to any member of the genus Ariolimax, of which there are three species. They are part of the mollusc superfamily Arionoidea, which contains most terrestrial air-breathing slugs. Within Ariolimax, there are three species: A. columbianus, A. californicus, and A. dolichophallus, which is the UC Santa Cruz mascot. | + | The term "banana slug" refers to any member of the genus //Ariolimax//, of which there are three species. They are part of the mollusc superfamily Arionoidea, which contains most terrestrial air-breathing slugs. Within //Ariolimax//, there are three species: //A. columbianus//, //A. californicus//, and //A. dolichophallus//, which is the UC Santa Cruz mascot. |
| =====Appearance and Anatomy===== | =====Appearance and Anatomy===== | ||
| - | Ariolimax dolichophallus, the slender banana slug, can grow up to 7" long. As the name suggests, banana slugs are usually bright yellow in color, although they can also be green, black, brown, or white. | + | //Ariolimax dolichophallus//, the slender banana slug, can grow up to 7" long. As the name suggests, banana slugs are usually bright yellow in color, although they can also be green, black, brown, or white. |
| Banana slugs are similar to other terrestrial species in their anatomy. They have two sets of retractable tentacles on their head. The top pair of larger tentacles are frequently referred to as eyestalks, and are used for light-sensing. The smaller lower pair of tentacles provide the slug with a sense of smell. The slug's mouth is on the underside of the head. | Banana slugs are similar to other terrestrial species in their anatomy. They have two sets of retractable tentacles on their head. The top pair of larger tentacles are frequently referred to as eyestalks, and are used for light-sensing. The smaller lower pair of tentacles provide the slug with a sense of smell. The slug's mouth is on the underside of the head. | ||
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| =====Behavior and Ecology===== | =====Behavior and Ecology===== | ||
| - | Banana slugs are detritivorous, eating dead and decomposing plant and animal matter. | + | Banana slugs are detritivorous, eating dead and decomposing plant and animal matter. They also eat living plant material and mushrooms. Since banana slugs are prone to desiccation in hot, arid environments, they are typically nocturnal, and come out during the day only when the weather is acceptable. |
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| + | Banana slugs have been shown to have a mutually symbiotic relationship with the redwood tree, //Sequoia sempervirens//. The slugs do not eat the seedlings of the redwood tree, preferring even cardboard over redwood trees. Instead, they eat plant species that compete with redwoods for light, water, and nutrients. | ||
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