Arion Slugs
Scientific group or name: Arion species
Overview
Arion includes several medium to large slugs that feed on living and decaying plant material.
Host plants
Seedlings, vegetables, ornamentals and soft fruit.
Identification
Arion slugs generally lack a distinct keel along the back. Colour varies considerably, so specialist identification may be needed.
Damage and symptoms
They create irregular holes, rasped surfaces and contamination by slime and droppings.
Lifecycle and favourable conditions
Moist weather, dense vegetation, crop debris and sheltered ground favour activity.
Monitoring
Inspect after dark or during damp conditions and use refuge traps to identify hotspots.
Management
Reduce shelters, manage weeds and debris, protect vulnerable seedlings and water earlier in the day where practical.
Biological control and natural enemies
Phasmarhabditis nematodes may suppress susceptible slug species when soil conditions are suitable.
Biological control should be selected only after the pest has been identified and the crop, temperature, growing environment and pest pressure have been considered.
Related BioWiki pages
This page provides general integrated pest-management information. Identification and control decisions should be confirmed for the crop and local situation.