Slugs

[Svejk]

Several questions,really. Me and my mate were pondering these questions,this morning,as you do. I,rather rashly,promised him all the answers by tomorrow. So I hope you can help.
There's usually hundreds of the blighters on the grass and pavements around here but we haven't noticed any for a while.
So where are they?Do they hibernate or have they got a life cycle ie. Die off every year and eggs? Hatch in spring. Presuming they lay eggs, where? When we do see them, it tends to be early morning or after/during rain. Do they live underground a la worms? Also, how come flocks of birds don't swoop down to feast on them. Are they poisonous or unpalatable? I'm sure I've seen pictures of birds winkling snails from their shells. I think that'll do for now. Thanks.
Its an exciting life here in the valleys, lol.

[Quoi]

I know they lay eggs under the soil in little clusters cos i keep digging them up.
I believe they come out after rain because it is easier to move about.
Hugh fearnley-whitty-thingy tried a few recipes with them and decided there was no palatable solution.

[mazie]

This bit of information should start you off on the life cycle of the slug Svejk :o)

Slugs are hermaphrodites, having both female and male reproductive organs.[10] Once a slug has located a mate, they encircle each other and sperm is exchanged through their protruded genitalia. A few days later, the slugs lay around thirty eggs in a hole in the ground, or beneath the cover of an object such as a fallen log.
Apophallation is a commonly seen practice among many slugs. In apophallating species, the penis curls like a corkscrew and during mating, it often becomes entangled in the mate's genitalia. Apophallation allows the slugs to separate themselves by one or both of the slugs chewing off the other's penis. Once its penis has been removed, the slug is still able to mate using only the female parts of its reproductive system

[Peter Pedant]

O god I call them teenagers
just let them lie in bed all day

[boxtops]

1. Their eggs are laid in the soil, I often find some when emptying out flower pots. White round things. Same as snails.
2. Some are still lurking in warm corners e.g. inside flower pots - not sure how long they live.
3. They come out after rain or on dewy mornings because the moisture makes it easy for them to slidder about.
4. Birds do eat snails - thrushes in particular, and blackbirds - they'll smash the shells on stones to get them out, but they're quite hard work to get at - but as far as I know, it's only badgers and hedgehogs who eat slugs.

[boxtops]

Mazie :-)

[Quoi]

another thing I know is that if I catch one eating my lettuces and squidge its insides out but leave it there (rather than throw it over the neighbours) then the next day I will be able to squidge another 20 collected around the body because they prefer to eat the other slugs innards than my lettuces!
Gets a bit messy after day 5.

[Svejk]

Doesn't say much for your lettuces, Quoi.;) Nobody said why they're not about now.

[mazie]

slugs are active whenever the temperature is above 5°C. so if it's cooler than that they'll be hiding away somewhere

[corylus]

Admire the humble slugs in your garden for their method of reproduction in which they entwine their hermaphroditic bodies and fire 'Love Darts' at each other in a cocoon of slime and mucus.

Then sling a handful of salt at them and watch them die.

NB Hens eat slugs, look carefully in your boiled egg.

[Svejk]

Thanks for all your answers. I'll give Best A. to quoi seeing as I insulted his/her lettuces.

[pussnboots]

Slugs and snails...don't get me going, I hate the barstewards. They come and eat my lovely plants which I take great care of every Spring/Summer. My neighbours think I am a mad woman, I can be seen armed with my torch and salt pot late at night ( in pjs) hunting them. My favourite job is to get them in the day time hiding in dark corners, I collect them on a shovel and chuck them into the road and watch with delight as cars squish them.

[Tilly2]

Sweety, how are you doing with the slugs?

[vulcan42]

my friend used to own a racing snail. One day he removed the shell to make it streamlined. I asked if it was any faster? Not really he said if anything it's more sluggish.(joke)