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hedgehog slug
hedgehog slug (Arion intermedius)
Illinois Status: nonnative
Photo © Marla Coppolino
Features and Behaviors
FEATURES
The hedgehog snail is a small, light-grey or yellow slug that reaches about an inch in length. The namesake for the hedgehog slug comes from the way it moves. When it contracts its body, the bumps along its back become swollen and look pointed. They have a dark head and tentacles, a yellow foot, and bright yellow slime. These characteristics distinguish it from other members of the genus.
BEVAVIORS
Arion intermedius was introduced from Europe and is established in eastern North America. It can be found in moist areas like yards, farms, woods, and wetlands. They reproduce continuously through the summer and fall. One to two dozen eggs are deposited under leaf litter and hatch in three weeks. Small slugs and eggs overwinter before reproducing the next year. Distribution information is lacking and this species is probably more widespread than is recorded. As of current, the hedgehog slug has been found at one site in the Keepataw County Forest Preserve near the Des Plaines River by the Illinois Natural History Survey.
Illinois Range
Taxonomy
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Mollusca
Class: Gastropoda
Order: Stylommatophora
Family: Arionidae
Habitats
It can be found in moist areas like yards, farms, woods, and wetlands.
