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Gastropods are soft-bodied animals without body segmentation. Some species have an external shell made of calcareous material for protection.
Gastropods belong to the mollusc group. Molluscs include snails, slugs, octopus, shellfish and other species.
Molluscs are the second largest group of invertebrates after athropods with around 85 000 species.
The red triangle slug is the largest land slug in Australia. It has a breathing hole in its distinctive red triangle on its back and eyes on stalks. It moves by gliding along a surface of mucus that is produced from glands on the foot. It can grow up to 14cm long.
Red triangle slugs are found in damp environments in various habitats, including city gardens, forests and woodlands.
The red triangle slug feeds on microscopic algae growing on tree trunks and rocks. It will even eat mould growing on fences, pavers and household walls.
Red triangle slugs are an important food source for birds, bats and lizards.
Red triangle slugs have a mouth with thousands of tiny teeth called radula. They use their radula to scrape algae off smooth surfaces.
They have two optical tentacles are retractable with light sensitive eye spots. They are also used for smelling and feeling the surrounding environment.
The respiratory pore, or pneumostome, is used for breathing. It is located in the red triangle mark on their back. This is part of the slugs mantle.
The mantle is made of a thicker flesh than the head. When frightened or not active the slug retracts its head toward the mantle for protection.
The tail of the slug starts at the end of its mantle and continues along its body.
The underside of a slug is called the foot. Slugs move by muscular contraction of the foot.
The invertebrate explorer digital book explores the incredible world of Australian invertebrates.
Students can use the book to investigate classification, features, adaptations and habitats of a variety of Australian invertebrates through narrated videos, stunning images, interactive activities and detailed text.
This book was designed by teachers to support the NSW Science and Technology K-6 syllabus and NSW English K-6 syllabus.
Content supports living world, Australian animals and class studies on invertebrates.
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