Tawny Soil Slug - Arion owenii

Medium size: 30 to 38 mm. This species belongs to the Arion (Kobeltia) group (all have a yellow sole and yellowish mucus) but it is the most distinctive of the group in its tawny brown coloration. It is broader and less depressed than either Arion distinctus or Arion hortensis and with distinctly brownish colours rather than grey. The brown to smoky black lateral bands are broad and often diffuse down to the sole. The back also has a broad dark band. Tentacles are purplish in colour, whilst the dorsal tubercles are broad and coarse, appearing ridged when the animal is at rest.

Though primarily a woodland species where it may be found in old birch, oak or hazel scrub, often near to streams or wetter habitats, it is also found on richer soils such as gardens, churchyards and allotments.

All year round.

Widespread in Britain with most records seeming to some from the south west of England and from western Scotland.

Rare or under recorded in Leicestershire and Rutland.  The Thurnby Lodge record of 31st August 2018 is the first for VC55.