Black-velvet leatherleaf slug facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Black-velvet leatherleaf slug |
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| Two Black-velvet leatherleaf slugs mating | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Belocaulus
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| Species: |
angustipes
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The black-velvet leatherleaf slug, also known as Belocaulus angustipes, is a type of land slug. These slugs are originally from the warm, wet areas of South America.
What Does It Look Like?
As their name suggests, adult black-velvet leatherleaf slugs are usually black and have a soft, velvety feel. Younger slugs, called juveniles, sometimes have a lighter stripe down their middle.
Where Do They Live?
These slugs are naturally found in the tropical regions of South America. However, they have also moved to other places. You can now find them in northern Florida and other states along the Gulf Coast of the United States. In these new places, they are considered a non-native species that has settled in.
What Do They Do?
Black-velvet leatherleaf slugs are mostly active at night or when the weather is wet. They eat both living and dead plant material. Because there are so many of them in tropical areas, they can sometimes cause problems for farm crops.
Tiny Hitchhikers
In South America, these slugs can be part of the life cycle of a tiny worm called Angiostrongylus costaricensis. This worm is a type of parasite, which means it lives inside another creature.
See also
In Spanish: Belocaulus angustipes para niños
