Many insects like to eat slugs, snails, and their eggs.
For example, the larvae of fireflies are diligent snail exterminators.
They feed almost exclusively on snails and slugs for several years.
Firefly larvae follow the slime trail of the snails and kill them with poisonous bites.
The extinction of light-sensitive fireflies can contribute to a rapid spread of some snail and slug species, for example the Spanish slug.
Insects: Natural predators of slugs & snails
However, various ground beetles are also direct predators of slugs.
In English, ground beetles are also called “snail hunter beetles”.
Video: Ground beetle attacks leopard slug
Ground beetle species that eat snails are, for example:
- Golden ground beetle
- Carabus coriaceus
- Violet ground beetle
- The diverse group of Cychrus.
Carrion beetles also eat slugs, including the black slug hunter and grave digger species.
Video: Firefly attacks snail
In the following pictures, you can see how a small carrion beetle attacks a much larger slug.
Likewise, there are species from the short-winged beetle family that eat slugs. For example, the black fashion beetle is known to include slugs among its food.
In particular, many beetle larvae have specialized in eating the slow and relatively defenceless slugs.
For example, the red-yellow larvae of the soft-bodied beetle family are known to eat slugs.
The following video shows how the larva of a fashion beetle attacks and kills a slug.
The video illustrates that even a small beetle larva can overpower an adult slug without any problems.
Video: Beetle larva kills slug
Centipedes, for example, also target the eggs of snails. The nocturnal animals are extremely aggressive and also eat small young snails.
Many species of harvestmen are also fond of snail eggs (opiliones, daddy longlegs).
There are even species that feed almost exclusively on snails.
Parasitic Insects
There are also flies that hunt for snails. For example, the horn fly, whose larvae feed on snails.
This is why horn / marsh flies are also called “snail killing flies”.
There have even been attempts to use these flies specifically for slug control. But so far unsuccessful.
Video: Snail-killing fly | 4K UHD
Video: Mites eat slug
Conclusion
The above list clearly shows that many insects are direct opponents/enemies of slugs.
It is therefore of great value for environmentally friendly slug control to provide insects with habitats in the garden.
Learn more about possible steps towards a garden in which many insects feel at home:
Insect-friendly garden: Elements & tips for planting.
Video: Ground beetle eats slug (Carabus coriaceus)
Other slug predators
Another important group of slug enemies are amphibians: e.g., frogs, lizards, toads and slow worms.
Here are some tips on the subject:
Create an amphibian-friendly garden.
In addition, many bird species also pick up young snails from the ground. It therefore makes sense to make your garden as bird-friendly as possible and to provide nesting help.
More info here:
Attract birds and settle them in the garden.
Here is a list of natural enemies of slugs and snails.
Further Information
Ideas to control against slugs and snails:
Slug and snail deterrent paint
Homemade slug and snail control
Runner ducks against slugs and snails
Peaceful Slug Control & Plant Protection
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| Snail & Slug Repellent Copper Tape | Adhesive | Garden Plant Cloche | Multipack |
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| Sheep Wool Pellets | Slug Collars | Multipack |
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Peaceful Slug Control“Which Insects Eat Slugs & Snails” is only one piece of the puzzle. Here is how you can keep slugs and snails away from your plants peacefully.
Overview of methods
Attract More Beneficial Wildlife to Your Garden
Turn your garden into an ark for biodiversity. Swipe or scroll sideways →
Promote Biodiversity & Strengthen Natural Balance
Slug-resistant plants
Recommendations | Natural Protection
More Recommendations | Gentle Slug Protection
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