Definition & Meaning of "slug"

What is a "slug"?

A slug is a gastropod mollusk that lacks a protective shell, making it visually distinct from its snail relatives. They have elongated bodies with a soft and slimy texture, allowing them to move smoothly across various surfaces. Slugs are commonly found in damp and humid environments, such as gardens and forests. They are voracious herbivores, feeding on a wide range of plant material, including leaves and decaying vegetation. Slugs have a specialized organ called a radula, which they use to scrape and consume their food. They are known for their ability to leave behind a trail of mucus as they move, which helps them navigate and detect potential threats. While some species of slugs can cause damage to crops and plants, they also play important roles in ecosystem processes, such as nutrient cycling and decomposition.