watersucker

A watersucker is a colloquial term often used to describe a type of terrestrial gastropod, commonly known as a slug. These mollusks are characterized by their lack of an external shell, though some may retain a small internal remnant. The term "watersucker" likely derives from their need for a moist environment and their ability to absorb water through their skin. They are often found in damp habitats such as gardens, forests, and fields, where they feed on a variety of plant matter, decaying organic material, and sometimes other small invertebrates. Their slime trails, a byproduct of their locomotion, are a common indicator of their presence. Watersuckers play a role in ecosystems as decomposers and as a food source for various animals, including birds, hedgehogs, and some insects. While generally considered garden pests by some, their ecological significance is also noteworthy. The term can sometimes be applied more broadly to other creatures that consume large amounts of liquid, but its primary association is with slugs.