Banana Slug Genomics

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======Banana Slug Biology====== =====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. =====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. 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. Directly behind the head is the slug's mantle. The mantle is a fleshy structure that serves to protect the slug's anal and genital pores. The pneumostome is also found in this area, and is used for gas exchange. It connects to the banana slug's single lung.((http://oregonstate.edu/dept/nurspest/slug_anatomy.htm)) The remainder of the banana slug's body is the foot. Banana slugs move, as do other slugs, through contraction and expansion of this foot. Like some other terrestrial slugs, banana slugs have a backbone-like keel that runs along the foot.((http://oregonstate.edu/dept/nurspest/banana%20slug.htm)) Banana slugs are known for the thick mucous that they excrete from their skin. This mucous performs several functions. It keeps their skin lubricated, which is necessary for gas exchange. During mating season, banana slugs release pheromones in their mucous that signals their location to potential mates. In addition, the mucous provides some protection against predators, as it has anesthetic properties when it contacts a wet surface, such as the inside of a predator's mouth.((http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Ariolimax_columbianus.html)) =====Behavior and Ecology===== 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. 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.