Tropical Leather Leaf Slug (Glubby)

The tropical leather leaf slug, scientifically known as Laevicaulis alte, is native to parts of Africa and is now also found in regions like India, Sri Lanka, and other parts of Southeast Asia, as well as being introduced to many other tropical and subtropical regions worldwide where it is considered a pest. It’s known for its distinctive, dark grey body with a lighter cream or yellow stripe. The leather leaf slug can reach about 4cm in length.

For those interested in keeping glubby as a pet, it requires a dryer environment than many other pest slugs and snails. The terrarium should be well-ventilated and kept lightly moist but not overly wet with pieces of bark under which the glubby can hide. Glubby feeds on a variety of fruits, vegetables, and decaying plant matter, making it relatively easy to care for. Observing this slug can be quite interesting due to its unique appearance and behaviour. The first thing you will notice about the glubby is that it is not slimy. Instead the top of its body has a slightly sticky feel to it. It is quite solid and not overly squishy like other slugs and snails. Only a narrow strip down the centre of the underside of the slug (the foot) is slimy. This is an adaptation to living in hot dry areas.

The Tropical leather leaf slug or Glubby is a fascinating creature for anyone interested in a low-maintenance, unusual pet.