The sequence of images shows part of the prolonged mating ritual of two slugs. I understand the sighting is showing the following. Slugs are hermaphrodites, with both male and female reproductive organs. When a slug is in heat, amongst other things it releases a chemical in its slime which attracts other slugs. When slugs locate a potential mate, they will circle around each other in ever tightening circles. They circle in a clockwise direction when viewed from above, ensuring their right sides face each other as this is the side from which their genitalia appear from beneath their mantles. They stroke each other over a prolonged period and eventually exchange sperm.
Trevor, would you like to post this on 'Snails of Australia" ? It shows the two most common colour forms of this variable species and would be useful as an identification aid.
Describe how you intend to use these images and/or audio files and your request will be sent to the author for consideration.
Your request has been successfully submitted to the author for consideration.
2,157,216 sightings of 19,986 species in 6,530 locations from 11,619 contributors
CCA 3.0 | privacy
We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of this land and acknowledge their continuing connection to their culture. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present.