With the arrival of the rainy season, a silent and slippery visitor once again appears in the yards, gardens, and rural roads of Chiapas: the slug. This small gastropod mollusk, although often overlooked, plays an important role in the local ecosystem.
Slugs belong to the gastropod group, like snails, but unlike snails, they lack an external shell. Their soft, elongated body allows them to glide using a mucous secretion, which acts as a natural lubricant. This ability is especially useful in humid environments, which explains their massive appearance during the rainy season.
Ecological Function and Diet
During this season, slugs emerge from their hiding places—under stones, leaves, or soil—to feed and reproduce. They feed on decaying organic matter, fallen leaves, and, in some cases, live plants. While some consider them a minor pest, their presence is essential for recycling nutrients in the soil, functioning as decomposers.
Necessary Precautions
However, their presence also entails certain risks. According to research, slugs can carry parasites that pose a threat to human health, especially in children. Cases of serious infections in children after accidentally ingesting these mollusks have been documented, so it is recommended to keep them out of the reach of children and maintain extreme hygiene in homes near humid areas.
Although modest in size, slugs are a reminder of how nature responds to the climate. Their annual appearance accompanies the rains in Chiapas and highlights the importance of understanding, respecting, and coexisting with all the life forms that emerge in this rich region of southeastern Mexico.
Source: oem
