23rd Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Wildlife
Ambigolimax valentianus hanging by a mucus thread
This photograph shows a specimen of Ambigolimax valentianus, a non-native slug species, hanging by a thread of mucus from a leaf in the "Ciane's river" nature reserve in Sicily. I encountered it during a morning hike after rainfall, while documenting species distribution in mediterranean habitats. The slug was gently swaying in the breeze, suspended several centimeters above the ground, a rare behavior not often observed in the wild. This moment offered a unique opportunity to capture the species in an unusual pose, highlighting its delicate structure and the surprising mobility of a creature often considered slow and grounded.
Photo Detail
| Date Taken: | 09.2025 |
| Date Uploaded: | 10.2025 |
| Photo Location: | Siracusa, Italy |
| Camera: | Canon EOS M50 |
| Copyright: | © Mirko Caggioni |