The palatability of 78 wildflower strip plants to the slug Arion lusitanicus

Abstract

Summary.AsArion lusitanicushas been observed in high densities in wildflower strips, the palatability of the foliage of 78 species of sown and naturally occurring plants found in such strips was investigated. In the laboratory, the slugs were offered a surplus of fresh, mature leaves and, after 16 h, a consumption index was calculated to rank the plants according to their palatability to the slugs.Arion lusitanicusshowed clear preferences for particular plant species, but more than two thirds of all plants investigated were scarcely eaten.Brassica napuswas most eaten, followed byPapaver rhoeas, Capsella bursa‐pastorisandLamium purpureum.Overall,A. lusitanicuspreferred sown species to naturally occurring ones and preferred annuals to perennials.