banana slug
Ariolimax sp.

This is the first non-yellow banana slug I've seen in California. Additionally, it's the first time I've seen a California one not under redwood trees. This pic was taken at Jacks Peak, which is dominated by Monterey pines and oaks, as evidenced by the leaf litter in the pic above. Interesting to note, I've seen this darker version while hiking in Alaska, Washington, and Oregon (but didn't know what they were at the time), also not under redwood trees. I wonder if the habitat has anything to do with the coloring of the slug. We tried to take a picture with my hand next to it, but our camera battery died after the first flash. Based on the size of my hand, I would say this individual was slightly more than 6 inches in length. I'm still searching for a source that can describe the visible difference between the 3 Ariolimax species.

ps - Had I remembered it was Valentine's Day when I posted this morning (02/14/11), I probably would have picked something more romantic... not that I'm much of a softy, ever.