Banana Slug

Banana slugs are commonly brilliant yellow in color (thus the name), although they can also be greenish, brown, tan, or white. Ariolimax columbianus possesses black patches that are occasionally so large that the animal appears to be completely black. Changes in food consumption, light exposure, and moisture levels cause individual slugs to change color. The color of a slug can also indicate whether it is healthy or wounded, as well as its age.

Banana slugs have a single lung with a pneumostome that opens externally. To allow gas exchange, the pneumostome lung chamber is extensively vascularized. Dehydration is a big issue for the mollusk, so it excretes a thick covering of mucus around its body and can also aestivate to combat it. They do this by secreting a protective mucus coating and insulating themselves with soil and leaves. They will remain dormant until the environment becomes moist again. They are more active at night because of their vulnerability to desiccation, but they can also be found on chilly, moist days.

Speed: 6.5 inches in 120 minutes