Standard English Name(s): banana slug
Local English Name(s): "snail"
Scientific Name(s): Ariolimax columbianus (Gould)
Upriver Halkomelem Name(s):

Downriver Halkomelem Name(s):
Island Halkomelem Name(s):

Description, Habitat, Ecology, & Distribution:
     This is the largest species of terrestrial mollusk in the Pacific Northwest, reaching 15 cm (6 in) in length. Banana slugs vary in colour from olive to dark brown, often with black blotches or spots. This woodland slug feeds on a variety of plant foods. Banana slugs are found in forested regions from southeast Alaska to northern California.

Upriver Halkomelem Cultural Role(s):
     This slug is used as a depilatory medicine. A person wishing to remove hair on some part of the body would apply a slug to that area. Afterward, the person would release the living slug.

Downriver Halkomelem Cultural Role(s):
Island Halkomelem Cultural Role(s):