Snails and slugs montage

Snails and Slugs

Snails and slugs are among the most bothersome pests in many gardens and landscapes. They feed on a variety of living plants and on decaying plant matter. They chew irregular holes with smooth edges in leaves and flowers and can clip succulent plant parts. They also can chew fruit and young plant bark.

The brown garden snail, Cornu aspersum (formerly Helix aspersa), is the most common snail causing problems in California gardens. It was introduced from France during the 1850s for use as food. Another troublesome snail is the white garden snail, Theba pisana.

Several species of slugs also cause damage including the gray garden slug (Deroceras reticulatum, formerly Agriolimax meticulatus), the banded slug (Lehmannia poirieri), the three-band garden slug (L. valentiana), the tawny slug (Limacus flavus), and the greenhouse slug (Milax gagates).

Source (including image of tawny slug on ripe strawberry): UC IPM Online
Jack Kelly Clark, ANR Communication Services, principal photographer

PEST RATINGS:

 SNAILS

Cuban Brown Snail:  Zachrysia provisoria (Pfeiffer)
Pest Rating:  A

A Hygromiid Snail: Xerotricha conspurcata (Draparnaud) 
Pest Rating:  B

Small Pointed Snail: Cochlicella barbara (Linnaeus)
Pest Rating:  B

Xerotricha conspurcata (Draparnaud)
Pest Rating: C

⇒ GASTROPODA

Banded Wood Snail:  Cepaea nemoralis
Pest Rating: A

Chinese Slug: Meghimatium bilineatum (Benson)
Pest Rating: A

Lissachatina fulica (Bowdich): giant African snail
Pest Rating: A                    

A Semi-Slug: Parmarion martensi (Simroth)
Pest Rating: A