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banana_slug_biology [2010/04/01 23:21]
hlee
banana_slug_biology [2010/04/01 23:21]
hlee
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 Banana slugs are hermaphroditic,​ possessing both male and female genitalia. ​ Though they are capable of self-fertilization,​ cross mating is more typical slug behavior. ​ When a slug is ready to mate, it will release pheromones into its slime as a signal to other slugs. ​ The slugs release sperm into each other and fertilize the eggs.  After mating, the slugs will gnaw off each others male genitalia to disengage. ​ Sperm collected in this fashion can be stored internally for several months, to allow immature eggs to fully develop before fertilization. Banana slugs are hermaphroditic,​ possessing both male and female genitalia. ​ Though they are capable of self-fertilization,​ cross mating is more typical slug behavior. ​ When a slug is ready to mate, it will release pheromones into its slime as a signal to other slugs. ​ The slugs release sperm into each other and fertilize the eggs.  After mating, the slugs will gnaw off each others male genitalia to disengage. ​ Sperm collected in this fashion can be stored internally for several months, to allow immature eggs to fully develop before fertilization.
  
-Many animals are predators of the banana slug, including birds, raccoons, snakes, and salamanders. ​ However, due to the mucous secreted by the slug, most such predators will roll the slug around in the dirt to remove the slime before eating the slug.((http://​bss.sfsu.edu/holzman/courses/fall00projects/bananaslug.html))+Many animals are predators of the banana slug, including birds, raccoons, snakes, and salamanders. ​ However, due to the mucous secreted by the slug, most such predators will roll the slug around in the dirt to remove the slime before eating the slug.((http://​www.greatwildoutdoors.com/2007/09/10/​banana-slug/))