For many people, spotting a slug triggers just one reaction: a grimace. Slimy, slow-moving, and often seen after a rainstorm or hiding in the garden, these creatures don’t exactly inspire admiration.

But behind their slippery appearance lies a surprising story. Slugs are far more important than most of us realize, quietly shaping ecosystems and even influencing human innovation.

In nature, slugs act as recyclers. They feed on decaying plants, fungi, and organic matter, breaking it down into nutrients that enrich the soil. Without them, gardens and forests would be overwhelmed with waste.