What is leather leaf slug?

The leather leaf slug, scientifically called Leidyula floridana, is a species of terrestrial slug found in North America. It is predominantly found in the southeastern region of the United States, including the states of Florida, Georgia, Alabama, and Louisiana.

The leather leaf slug gets its name from its distinctive appearance. Its elongated body is brown or gray in color and is covered in a tough, leather-like membrane. The slug can grow up to three inches in length and has a unique "hump-backed" appearance.

These slugs are typically active at night and feed on a variety of plant material, such as leaves, stems, and flowers. They can be considered pests in home gardens, as they can cause damage to crops and ornamental plants.

Leather leaf slugs have relatively short lifespans and typically live for only about a year. They reproduce by laying clusters of eggs in the soil or on the undersides of leaves. Baby slugs hatch from these eggs after a few weeks and begin their lives feeding and growing into adulthood.

Though leather leaf slugs can be a nuisance to gardeners, they serve as important members of the ecosystem. They help break down organic matter, such as dead leaves and decaying plant material, and serve as a food source for other wildlife, such as birds and small mammals.