Pancake Slug Natural History
Size
This slug grows to a length of 12cm.
Habitat and Distribution
The Pancake Slug is native to Jamaica. However, it has also been introduced to other countries where they are considered a pest. These countries include Barbados, Bermuda, Dominican Republic, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and Cuba.
Age
The average lifespan of this slug is 2-3 years.
Diet
They will eat a variety of vegetables and fruit but are omnivores and need a little meat in their diet too for protein.
Threats
This species has not yet been evaluated by the IUCN.
Groups and Breeding
Pancake Slugs are hermaphrodites (have both male and female reproductive organs) and are sexually mature at 7- 10 months. They prefer to mate in groups of 3 or more rather than as a pair and eggs are laid in clutches of 30-40. Eggs take around 15 days to hatch and hatchlings are a pale yellow-cream colour until they are about four days old.
Eggs can be laid once every 2-3 weeks.
Interesting Facts
Their name comes from their flattened appearance.
The Pancake Slug During Your Day Out in Kent
Our Pancake Slugs can be seen in the Bug Gardens alongside a wide variety of other species such as the Giant Centipede, Hissing Cockroaches and Medicinal Leeches.