What is arion hortensis?

Arion hortensis, commonly known as the garden slug or the brown slug, is a species of air-breathing land slug that belongs to the family Arionidae. They are native to Europe and have been introduced to other parts of the world.

Garden slugs are typically brown or gray and have a slimy body, which helps them to move around. They can grow up to 10 cm in length and weigh up to 25 grams. They feed on a variety of plant materials such as leaves, stems, and fruit, and can cause significant damage to gardens and crops.

Arion hortensis usually breeds between March and September and lays up to 50 eggs at a time. The eggs hatch after 2 to 4 weeks and the young slugs begin to feed immediately. They reach sexual maturity when they are around 6 months old and can live for up to 2 years.

Garden slugs are significant ecological pests. They are herbivorous and can cause severe damage to crops and other vegetation.they act as intermediate hosts for several parasites of domestic animals and humans. Additionally, they can be a nuisance in garden landscapes and can cause damage to buildings.