As promised, I present pictures of slugs copulating. This is perhaps the most exciting topic I have ever blogged or shall ever blog about.
I did not realize initially that this slimy mass was actually two slugs. I had no idea what it was. It seemed too big to be one slug. It didn’t quite seem like a snake, and I didn’t think snakes hung from mucous. I was not adventurous enough to get close enough to observe.
I saw the blob shift in shape a few times, but I really didn’t know what it was. Not until the blog separately into two, with one hitting the porch floor with a light thud, did I recognize two distinct organisms.
Once I saw the enlarged photos, it seemed like it should’ve been obvious.
Anyway, as with the spider, I don’t know anything about slugs. But I am assuming they were having sex.
Maybe they were having a discussion about health care. I don’t know.
whoooooweeeeeee that was hot!!
http://silverfishattack.blogspot.com/2008/12/slugs-for-friend.html
(About halfway down, look for “leopard slugs”)
Something is definitely wrong with me, because I don’t know whether to be jealous that they can do it hanging upside down, or to pity them that it involves a big ol’ strand of mucous. I guess this method only works for invertebrates… can you imagine falling 10x your height (or more) every time you tried to reproduce? Your species wouldn’t survive long.
It’s a slug hug. So sweet.
This is why the WWW was created. This moment. Right here.
Holy crap…so that white ectoplasm stuff hanging out from the bottom in a couple of the pics is their penises? And they both have penises and impregnate each other? What an abomination! God must hate slugs!
http://ifaq.wap.org/sex/sexandgardenslug.html
Apparently they both have male and female parts, and are able to impregnate themselves if lacking a mate. All I’m saying is… slug hugs must be pretty phenomenal, if they’re willing to risk the possible outcome… apophallation?? It just gets weirder and weirder…
You have warped my fragile little mind. lol
Dear God… I finally understand the meaning of the expression, “I’m horrified, but I can’t look away.” The dual-sex and self-impregnation details are impressive though. Slugs are truly the greatest threat that humanity has ever known.