Here are some essential tips to help you become a master slug collector for the SLIMERS project
Finding Slugs
- Look in damp, shady areas of your garden or field
- Check under logs, rocks, or garden debris
- Search during early morning or evening when slugs are most active
- Create ‘slug traps’ using overturned flowerpots or boards
Catching techniques
- Use gloves or tweezers to handle slugs gently
- Lure slugs with bait such as lettuce leaves, citrus peel or chicken feed
- Consider using a torch for night-time scouting
Identifying Grey Field slugs
- The grey field slug is only about 3-5 cm long when extended
- Check for a light grey to brownish coloration and distinctive darker tentacles
- And importantly, please avoid slugs that have orange colouring or stripes, or that are more than 5cm long, as these are very likely to be the wrong species for this project
Container tips
- Use a clean, sturdy plastic container with tight-fitting lids
- Line the bottom with slightly damp paper towel
- Include a small piece of vegetable such as lettuce for food
Shipping guidelines
- Only post on Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday to ensure safe arrival before the weekend
- Avoid shipping during postal strikes or heatwaves
- Don’t overload your containers – maximum 30 slugs per container please
- And remember, please exclude other slug species, especially leopard slugs
Your efforts contribute significantly to important research. Thank you and happy slug scouting!