They reach sexual maturity by mid- to late summer and start depositing eggs when climatic conditions are favorable. Each individual slug possesses both male and female organs. It is capable of producing clumps of 10 to 20 eggs, which are laid in crevices in the soil, under debris, and in other protected locations. The majority of eggs are deposited during September and October. They feed by rasping the leaf tissue, causing the leaves to have a ragged, shredded appearance.
All slugs leave a trail of slime wherever they move.
The lower leaves of corn plants are the ones most severely damaged. In late summer, slugs occasionally will feed on brace roots of corn plants. What effect this feeding has on the plants is not known. Personal observations indicate that slugs feeding on brace roots have not generally affected plant performance. However, extensive feeding can prevent brace roots from developing and cause plants to become lodged.