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