Slugs: A Natural and Cultural History

A natural and cultural history of the oft-reviled slug, exploring the important role of these exquisite molluscs within ecosystems, their evolution and our complex relationship with them. Whether we are fascinated or repelled by them, few of us are indifferent to slugs. In evolutionary terms, they are among the most successful animals on the planet – all the more extraordinary given that they have done away with the protective shell of their ancestors. But slugs have garnered a bad reputation as enemies of the gardener, notorious for the damage they can cause, and have typically been treated as objects of disgust. This book challenges common perceptions of slugs, calling for a reappraisal of their ecological significance and an appreciation of their unique behaviour patterns. Readers will learn: – How slugs are classified and their origin from shelled, snail ancestors, as well as the key features that distinguish slugs from other animals; – The surprisingly complex anatomy of a slug, and the varied uses of its slime; – Historical attitudes to slugs, their depiction in literature and art, and why they have been so disdained; – Profiles of exotic and unusual slugs, including carnivorous slugs and the colourful – but toxic – sea slugs; – The remarkable and highly ritualised courtship and sexual practices of slugs; – How slugs have adapted to life without a shell by developing chemical defences against predators. Packed with illustrations and photographs, this book is a comprehensive and accessible guide to one of nature’s most misunderstood creatures.