Ariolimax

Banana slugs are North American terrestrial slugs comprising the genus Ariolimax. They are often bright yellow (giving rise to the "banana" common name) although they may also be greenish, brown, tan, or white. Species within the genus Ariolimax include: Species brought into synonymy Ariolimax andersonii J. G. Cooper, 1872: synonym of Prophysaon andersonii (J.G. Cooper, 1872) (unaccepted combination) Ariolimax californicus J.G. Cooper, 1872: synonym of Ariolimax californicus californicus J.G. Cooper, 1872 Ariolimax californicus costaricensis Cockerell, 1890: synonym of Deroceras costaricensis (Cockerell, 1890) Ariolimax hemphilli W. G. Binney, 1875: synonym of Hesperarion hemphilli (W.G. Binney, 1875) Ariolimax niger J. G. Cooper, 1872: synonym of Hesperarion niger (J. G. Cooper, 1872) Ariolimax steindachneri Babor, 1900: synonym of Ariolimax columbianus (Gould, 1851) Banana slugs are often bright yellow (giving rise to the banana nomenclature) although they may also be greenish, brown, tan, or white. The species Ariolimax columbianus sometimes has black spots that are so extensive that the animal looks almost entirely black. Individual slugs will change colors with alterations in food consumption, light exposure, and moisture levels. Color may also indicate whether a slug is healthy or injured or what age it is. The Pacific banana slug is the second-largest species of terrestrial slug in the world, growing up to long, and weights of . (The largest slug species is Limax cinereoniger of Europe, which can reach in length.) Banana slugs have an average lifespan of 1–7 years. Banana slugs (like other gastropods and many other mollusks) have a radula, a ribbon-like anatomical structure covered in rows of microscopic teeth; the radula is used for feeding. Individuals can move at per minute. Slugs use two pairs of tentacles to sense their environment. The larger, upper pair, termed "eyestalks," are used to detect light or movement. The second, lower pair are used to detect chemicals. The tentacles can retract and extend themselves to avoid damage.