Preparing for a slug workshop

The slug 'talk' will include some identification of live slugs. Although I will bring some, it will make the event far more effective and productive if participants bring specimens which they have collected themselves.

One important reason for this is that slug distributions are very poorly documented and changing rapidly. It is almost certain that slugs brought in for identification will add new 'dots' to the national 10 km distribution map. Apart from the value to the national mapping scheme, finding a 'first record' for the locality is very satisfying to the finder. Another reason is that the casual examination of specimens as they are being collected will provide a foundation for later appreciation of the differences between the 35 or so British species.

Is is best to collect slugs a few days before the event. If you leave it until the evening before, it is certain to be too cold, too windy, too hot, too dry or otherwise unsuitable a time for slugs to be about. Slugs may be found either in the open during hours of darkness when they are most active, or else at other times hidden under almost any natural or un-natural artefact - stones, leaves, flower pots, seed trays, litter, rubbish.

Try to find as many different-looking slugs as possible. Differences will be in size, shape and colour. Put them in a container - plastic food containers are very convenient for this. No need to make any air-holes except in very small containers (such as 35mm film containers)- slugs live their lives very slowly and will not consume all the oxygen before you open the tub again. Give the slugs something to hide in. A good idea for this is to dampen bits of papier-mache eggs boxes, but any dampened paper or cardboard will do. You can include a slice or two of raw potato or carrot for them to feed on and possibly some scraps of lichen if you have some of the larger, camouflaged species in the collection.

Slugs of different species and sizes can be kept in the same container unless you have specimens of the Leopard or Tiger Slug (Limax maximus) (Click "Home" on the side bar - there is a picture there). This handsome beast is, sometimes, carnivorous and is likely to attack other slugs in the confines of a container. Recognize this slug by its large size, pointed tail, (usually) striped body and dotted mantle. Keep it in a separate container. It will be happy to feed on lichen rather than potato. If you are unsure of its identity, keep it in a separate container anyway.

Make a note of the date of collection, location (6-figure map reference ideal, but postcode or address will do). A brief description of habitat is also helpful - just a word or two will do (e.g. village garden; coniferous woodland; public park).

Bring the slugs with you to the meeting. If you have a 10× hand lens or other magnifying glass it will be helpful in looking at finer details. Small plastic or wood implements (tea or coffee stirrers are ideal) are useful for handling slugs.

If you have any queries before the event, feel free to contact me on 01427 848400 or chris@beckingham0.demon.co.uk

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