The greatest thing about being a nature expert in training is that you can ALWAYS learn more! Is there something you've always wanted to know about in nature but didn't know who to ask? Post your question here. Once a month, one of our experts will tackle a new question from those submitted by kids just like you.
Asked by Nicole. Answered by the Get to Know team.
Slugs produce mucus to survive. Their bodies are made up of mostly water, and without mucus to protect them, they would shrivel up and die.
Slug mucus has many other functions. It keeps slugs from slipping down steep slopes. Each slug makes a slime trail that helps other slugs identify its species for mating. Mucus can also make it more difficult for predators, like birds, to pick up a slug—this is another way that slime keeps them alive. Some species of slugs can even make a slime rope to lower themselves to the ground!
Got a question about your wild neighbours? Ask us!