Ariolimax columbianus (Gould, 1851)

Pacific banana slug


Species recognized by The Integrated Taxonomic Information System external link, T Orrell (custodian) in 
IUCN Red List Status: NOT EVALUATED external link Showing: scientific names

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Ariolimax columbianus (Gould, 1851)

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Ariolimax columbianus
Ariolimax columbianus
Ariolimax Columbianus
Ariolimax Columbianus
Ariolimax columbianus (Gould, 1851)
Ariolimax columbianus

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Morphology

Physical Description

Source and Additional Information
Author
Kristen Thomas, Southwestern University
Editor
Stephanie Fabritius, Southwestern University
Citation
Thomas, K. 2000. "Ariolimax columbianus" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed October 25, 2009 at http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Ariolimax_columbianus.html. 

 

The Banana Slug is the second largest slug. It can reach up to a length of 25 cm. The majority of Banana Slugs can easily be identified by their resemblence to a banana. They have yellow bodies with brown spots. Some Banana Slugs can be found with green, brown, or white bodies. The coloration of Banana slugs can change accordingly with their diet and the amount of moisture in their environment. The bodies of Banana Slugs have a muscular foot for locomotion. They also posses a hump on their back and a mantle. Banana Slugs have lungs that open to the outside through a pneumostone for respiration located on the right side of their mantle. Banana Slugs have two pairs of tentacles. The larger of the two pairs of tentacles are used to sense the brightness of light. The second pair are used to sense smells. The Banana Slug is able to retract both pairs of tentacles to protect them from the surrounding environment. Banana Slugs are covered with a slime that serves many purposes. (Branson 1996, Hill 1997, Murphy 1967, Nichols and Cooke 1979)

 
"Ariolimax columbianus (Gould, 1851)". Encyclopedia of Life, available from "http://www.eol.org/pages/403113". Accessed 22 Mar 2010.