Slug and eggs . . . kind of sounds like some weird breakfast, doesn’t it?
Maybe I should have titled this:
Mrs. Jabba The Hut & Future Offspring
Whatever you want to call it, I was refilling water bowls Friday and picked one up to empty the old water out first. That’s when I discovered the space underneath had become an incubator. I actually caught the slug in the act of laying eggs.
I checked again this morning, and evidently the egg laying part is over, but apparently the slug is sticking around to stand guard.
Considering all the damage slugs inflict on my hostas, I suppose I ought to eradicate this batch, but I’m kind of interested to see if they actually hatch out.
Naturalist vs. Gardener. Never know which one is going to win out.
{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
“Touch my eggs and I’ll slug you!”
Wow, a mama slug. That is such a neat picture. I have to add that Robin’s comment is very funny!
Ho, ho, Robin, Good One! You get the punster of the day award!
I agree Leslie. . . it’s funny!
Ewwwww! But so cool! Great shots.
Yeah, I agree. Kind of gross, but neat at the same time!
We’re so much alike. I’d have the very same conversation with myself. I’d end up letting them hatch out. Have you googled incubation time for slugs? You know that information is out there somewhere.
Sorry, I just couldn’t stand the wait, so I googled it myself.
EGGS
The oval, translucent eggs, 10 to more than 200, depending on the species, are laid most often in moist soil at a depth of approximately 2.5 cm. These eggs are about 3 mm in diameter. Depending on the weather, incubation (egg laying to hatching) will vary, but the average is 14-30 days.
NYMPHS
No information available.
ADULTS
The young are very small when they hatch, and they will remain near the place of hatching, returning there each morning, for several months. They reach sexual maturity in about three to five months, and may take as long as two years to become full-grown.
Thanks for all the info Ceecee! I’ll keep watch and if they actually hatch, I’ll let you know!