Blue-grey Taildropper Crossing
Photo by Mira Bride
If you’ve been exploring Saanich parks recently, you might have been lucky enough to spot an elusive creature: the blue-grey taildropper (Prophysaon coeruleum). This small and elusive species was recently spotted crossing a Saanich park trail, much to the excitement of conservationists and nature lovers. But what makes this sighting so special, and what should you do if you come across one?
Blue-grey Taildropper
The blue-grey taildropper is a tiny slug found in two endangered ecosystems: Prairie oak meadows and mature Douglas-fir forests. The slugs are found in moist sites on the forest floor, such as within leaf litter, under mushrooms, in moss, or under decaying logs. They are most commonly seen in late autumn, from September to December.
As the name suggests, the blue-grey taildropper has the ability to detach its tail to evade predators. These small slugs, measuring 2-3 cm in length, are blue to pale grey in color, often with fine white speckling. Check out this identification guide to learn more and compare it with other slug species.
Despite its elusive nature, it is known to be extremely rare, with its habitat rapidly declining. This species is at risk due to its limited population and the ongoing threats to its habitats, primarily from development and other human activities. It’s classified as a blue-listed species in British Columbia and is listed as threatened under both the Species at Risk Act (SARA) and the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC).
Photo by Kristiina Ovaska
What To Do if You Spot One
If you are lucky enough to encounter a blue-grey taildropper, admire it from a distance and avoid disturbing it’s habitat.
Report the sighting to Habitat Acquisition Trust (HAT). Be sure to record the location, date, and time of your sighting.
Be sure to stick to marked trails to avoid disturbing sensitive habitats for these and other creatures.
Why Slugs Matter
Slugs, including the blue-grey taildropper, are an important part of ecosystems! Mycorrhizal fungi are the primary food source for the elusive blue-grey taildropper. These fungi form a symbiotic relationship with the roots of plants and trees, helping them absorb essential nutrients from the soil. In return, the plants provide the fungi with sugars. This partnership is the foundation of a healthy forest. The blue-grey-taildropper, along with a handful of other animals that feed on these fungi, plays a vital role in keeping this balance intact. By consuming mycorrhizal fungi, these animals help spread fungal spores throughout the forest, ensuring that new fungal networks can establish and thrive.
By taking simple actions like reporting sightings, staying on marked trails, and supporting conservation efforts, we can help protect these creatures and the ecosystems they depend on!
Visit hat.bc.ca/bluegrey-taildroppers to learn more.
Learn more about local slug species here hat.bc.ca/blog/slugs-in-our-surroundings.
Blue-grey taildropper Identification Guide