Here are some more specimens of
Deroceras laeve. Remember, this species needs a constantly wet habitat in order to live. So look for them in moist areas. Though I usually find at least one a day now, I try to keep the area moist by sprinkling it every day or every couple of days with the hose. In terms of characteristics, pay attention to the tubercles, dark mottled color, and dark cephalic tentacles. Also note the long mantle and the lack of a pale ring around the pneumostome.
5.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNonCN9dgtS409UCPkMnVcI2tEYTX76obl8WEC8RBvxvecDUdc9-A0Rd4wCqdVU1AfZ6Xt0eJBfjZE5tHqj07bPdK6fWCS2OteIxdAUl_f4kSImiGnZatV-KQ7sNVbdQWBitkjGhz7ks8/s320/marshslug44.jpg) |
I don't know why this slug has those two dark nodes, one on the mantle and one on the tail. This could be an individual feature or a sign of an infection (parasites). |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjefbyRDps13HOt1V7_XlC3qrq-rd3JJzTnhT6q1fJLZs6f3zqIBb8fehhSE-mUmyz6G6AKAUEZtMHC-i0_GATQVY62tkHGqHnmCfCzKnn8vXh2PEYsBBRUIjitayuDQ_ib0ZDjlCMW6Io/s320/marshslug45.jpg) |
Like the picture above, this is a good view of the tubercles, the dark cephalic tentacles, the lighter-colored foot, and the pneumostome which, unlike Deroceras panormitanum, doesn't have a pale ring around it. |
6. The second time I found Deroceras laeve at night. Notice the light-brown patch over the left side of the mantle.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzHkT2k1Mg1Oms4llLrO43CByn8vU8JVX8gcaZrybTKfAXgLIYBAITyaBesQwjSVzST5aYD_5FY60ML8r61KFwiqEzsWq-cu4o6OlljOUTZWgW-EsObDUCCamVAY6RA_cBHuQrOowG88s/s320/marshslug48.jpg) |
I put the leaf on top of a stepping-stone to get a better look at the slug. This is another good view of the pneumostome. |
7. I found this guy sleeping on the underside of a stepping-stone.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig0oEZyVAWKw6-eNRDG8F1xH2DhyphenhyphenrUdZnWlUhnILtmEo5N8f2ft1mm8gFwMM8wic093AiycA0lP1NTqKtkdFeOMER2sz2IfHX4msWRxApka73JMjgOdBb4Ij7wS-WHadJhB0eDpkXhgGU/s320/marshslug51.jpg) |
I like this picture because you can see the slug's slime trail. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtYN2Z39F1aPeJ7O1BFOu3u0juLWdz-0FX1t7m-H6Tkwzh4yvZnFmXAgXvZWBVXq4-u6SQSrDe5u66_pfNFBTkk9_DKFG1InFxDOkyFkYeuKX12Tl84DrDcuMvdzoUSWNmBQbRpxQ1tH0/s320/marshslug52.jpg) |
Retracted tentacles = do not disturb. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXbusjRNyIlGpY1Ubgq9Fagej2oSy3XjnlgrINy8Di2JyrIME5rlN9ItNwzGUa2O7hXKP7lmGHUUfZukty_sJdZX_zKWIm_LgI-Fybzji0Y-qPOZaXWiguPXNyhegn1JpLJ8EogTYaD48/s320/marshslug53.jpg) |
Eventually, though, he decided it was time to get up, at least to find a more peaceful napping place. He has such a beautiful mottled pattern, particularly on his mantle. |
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