Deroceras reticulatum

1 Grey Field Slug at Evatt, ACT

Deroceras reticulatum at Evatt, ACT - 4 Oct 2021
Deroceras reticulatum at Evatt, ACT - 4 Oct 2021
Deroceras reticulatum at Evatt, ACT - 4 Oct 2021
Deroceras reticulatum at Evatt, ACT - 4 Oct 2021
Deroceras reticulatum at Evatt, ACT - 4 Oct 2021
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Identification history

Deroceras reticulatum 8 Oct 2021 Michael123
Unidentified 8 Oct 2021 TimL

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User's notes

The sequence of images shows part of the prolonged mating ritual of two slugs, which took place over a 90-minute period in the early morning and ended when the pair became exposed to the sun. I understand this sighting is showing the following. Slugs are hermaphrodites, with both male and female reproductive organs. When a slug is in heat, amongst other things it releases a chemical in its slime which attracts other slugs. When slugs locate a potential mate, they will circle around each other in ever tightening circles. They circle in a clockwise direction when viewed from above, ensuring their right sides face each other as this is the side from which their genitalia appear from beneath their mantles. They stroke each other over a prolonged period and eventually exchange sperm. Detail of the start of the mating ritual is provided in previous sighting 4397749.

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