Banana Slugs: Secret of the Slime | Deep Look

Beneath the towering redwoods lives one of the most peculiar creatures in California: the banana slug. They're coated with a liquid crystal ooze that solves many problems slugs face in the forest -- and maybe some of our own.
SUBSCRIBE: goo.gl/8NwXqt
Banana slugs are important members of the redwood forest community, even if they aren't the most exalted. They eat animal droppings, leaves and other detritus on the forest floor, and then generate waste that fertilizes new plants. Being slugs, they don't move very quickly, and without a shell, they need other protection to keep themselves from becoming food and then fertilizer. Their main defense: slime. Slime refers to mucus-the same stuff that coats your nose and lungs-found on the outside of an animal's body. Banana slug slime contains nasty chemicals that numb the tongue of any animal that attempts to nibble it, discouraging predators like raccoons, who have to go to the trouble of removing the slime if they want to eat the slug. But this is just one of many ways slugs depend on slime, and they use it for everything from locomotion to nutrition.
Read more in our article on KQED Science:
blogs.kqed.org/science/2015/02...
Funding for Deep Look is provided in part by PBS Digital Studios and the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation. Deep Look is a project of KQED Science, which is supported by HopeLab, The David B. Gold Foundation; S. D. Bechtel, Jr. Foundation; The Dirk and Charlene Kabcenell Foundation; The Vadasz Family Foundation; Smart Family Foundation and the members of KQED.
#deeplook

[@bigchunky6686]

"It's a liquid, it's a solid. It's a lolsquid"

[@lancelotofsadblackwolf_yt6222]

LOL Squid XD

[@jouyanabavian7519]

Soliquid sounds better though

[@arnonjanuellaurente6135]

No, Soliliquidid sounds better

[@JBLebosada]

Colloid

[@suravimajumdar3277]

Lol

[@epjones366]

When I was a kid I used to get paid $0.25 per banana slug I removed from neighbor's garden to buy candy. Banana slug goo is tough to get off your hands and the candy always tasted funny.

[@KQEDDeepLook]

That's an awesome story!

[@oofbigsmoke.3136]

Game Over Sounds like a story from a forrest-gump like movie , I love it !

[@DM-pg9pj]

Watch your grammer child

[@doanan4049]

BlueDiamond thejoke

[@Imadurazno]

I know this is a year old but that made me gag 🤢 Good story though lol

[@W.E.N.D.I.G.O]

0:10 thats just adorable

[@KQEDDeepLook]

+SpidearPlays We think so too!

[@RainebowEvee]

If there was a video of a slug just slowly nomming on a leaf for 10 minutes I'd probably watch it tbh...

[@reinux]

mnaaaaamh

[@redrar00]

Ommnnh

[@adamromero]

om nom nom nom

[@inquaanate2393]

So here's a thing, one time I was walking my dog and I came across a slug with loads of slime on it, I collected the slime (don't question this) and made a white ball maybe one or two cm across. If you pressed on the ball hard enough it would burst open and invert, I did this for several hours and it seemed to have a permanently renewable surface. Very interesting, should get some material scientists to test it some day.

[@HumphreyAlphaandOmega]

Ok

[@brandonhall6084]

I really love the visuals and the sound design of this series. Great work!

[@KQEDDeepLook]

Thank you!

[@Cyan_thicc]

Thanks for y me know when you're ready t we are going out to eat and drink some water and a T wsrt in the basement uu

[@YRO.]

@@Cyan_thicc k

[@bricetedder1658]

Nnomj

[@TheMoonMan.]

2:30 - so that's why we can't climb trees using our noses.

[@7f0g20]

Wah that's an *ad*

[@Brathize]

Yeah.. I wish I could climb a tree with my nose ..

[@destinyashton1538]

i love the narrator's voice it's so calming and so fit for these kinds of videos

[@HermeticAscetic22]

"All inspired by the humble banana slug, our partner in slime." Hah! Awesome!

[@bluefernlove]

I love slugs and snails. When I was a kid I used to think their trail of slime was fairy dust. I mean, have you seen that glittery iridescent path when the sun shines on it? 😍😍😍 it's fairy dust.

[@edgarw5872]

gods whoever does the music for these videos, my hats off to you. it always invokes equal parts gross horror and sheer curiosity towards these creatures i can't get enough of deep look

[@KQEDDeepLook]

Our music is composed by Seth Samuel - thanks!

[@dickpee1235]

1:50 Liquid:my room Solid:my friends room

[@supaspydamn]

They eat so cute!

[@jenbroccoli861]

Raph Reyes They do....lol!!!!!

[@Samsongamingship]

0:10 here you go! To see it all over again and again

[@PineappleDevourer]

They tastes good too.

[@witherrose4416]

When I was a kid we had a lot of banana slugs around our house and I remember I took a bunch of slugs of various sizes and lined them up and called them a family. I still got the picture my mom took.

[@vbgvbg1133]

Slugs and snails are adorable... Especially when eating.

[@mmason290]

0:09 "nioom, niooom"

[@benb3316]

Way back I went to visit my Dad in California. Amongst the Redwoods I found a neat "Pet" in the form of a Bannana Slug. Originally I caught a Red Racer snake but they talked me into letting it go. But the slug was nice. Put him (Yes, I know now, Herma) in a large jar and he filled it halfway full, more slime than in his body. Hot and humid then so pulled out of the air... Crawled on sticks. Was about 6 inches long. Loved eating stuff I fed him, mostly fruit and greens. Wanted to take him back to Montana... Dad insisted I had to let him out since winter would kill him or something... Heh, good thing I did let him out, but insisted on going into the forest to let him go myself since Grandma kept looking at the garbage disposal when talking about how they'd release him into the wild. He was a lot bigger, close to 7 inches when I released him so I'm sure I fed him and treated him well, btw.

[@xihearthe80sx]

I always get really excited when I see a new Deep Look video in my subscription box. Another great video!

[@KQEDDeepLook]

***** Thanks to you both. We are definitely open to suggestions for future episodes. Ideas?

[@KQEDDeepLook]

Do newts count? An newts episode is coming in 2 weeks.They are amphibians, and do spend time each year in the water.

[@xihearthe80sx]

Deep Look Maybe a video about how Cacti and Succulents store water and keep cool?

[@KQEDDeepLook]

Smorgasborddd Good one! We are thinking about doing a piece on mosses, and maybe lichens. But we have not considered succulents.

[@_Obey_]

Please do more videos about slugs and snails! They are so fascinating and underrated! :D

[@cuteduckdontlie4636]

They beautiful creatures I have mines snails 🐌 and love them

[@Leon024]

What is the hole near the head of the slug? Is it meant to be there?

[@KQEDDeepLook]

It's called the pneumostome - used for breathing and a few other functions.

[@skurjh4h475]

Deep Look So are you trying to tell me that that's a Multi-Functional Nose?!I Want one of those!!

[@charlesc4377]

You have one. You can both breathe and smell with it

[@beargamez3652]

Leon Leee its where they breathe

[@wolfblood1302]

That is where their lungs are and that is how they breathe.

[@MUtley-rf8vg]

I've acquired quite an affection for these guys having run across them several times here in the forests of the Puget Sound. They're large, bright, and totally out there. I love that you broke down the structure of their slime, its physical properties in relation to their means of locomotion, the slime's use as a signaling device and...food source? You made comparisons to slime in the human body, bio-mimicry in architecture and robotics, all in the span of 4 minutes! Whatever strange bent you're on, I wanna ride it.

[@KQEDDeepLook]

+M. Utley Thanks for the awesome feedback! So glad you enjoyed it.

[@MUtley-rf8vg]

+Deep Look You certainly deserve it. Keep up the good work!

[@amytsab]

I'm going to UCSC and over there they have banana slugs and I'm excited to see them and the campus!

[@NoahSpurrier]

Porter College here. Go Slugs!

[@MODGNAR]

The slime of these slugs is incredible, next time you visit California Redwoods I highly suggest finding one and playing with a bit of slime. The slime is like one of the longest lasting lubes ever. If you get it on your hands, you can run your hand under water for HOURS and it will still be slimy. Even soap doesn't help much. Anyway this stuff is just fascinating.

[@bobby8012]

can i use the lube to pleasure myself? :D

[@madfarmerhdgrowtopia9018]

Bobby SURE FRIEND `~’

[@user-dl8yo3wv1t]

Bobby yes

[@jenbroccoli861]

MODGNAR Yeahhh....I'll rather keep my hands slime-free!!!!

[@echodelta9]

All I have to do is walk barefoot after it rains in the city.. Stepped on one once, after much washing and rinsing I could still feel it.We have the spotted slug which is just as big. I know of something more potent than salt. I have seen them slime their way out of being asalted, it must use a lot of their water. Liquid household ammonia, non sudsy. It is fertilizer so you can use it in the garden. One shot and they writhe in their goo as they turn into more goo. KZbin... Riders of the Purple Sage and listen to "The Salting of the Slugs".

[@ashishdubey7652]

I m really thankful to deep look for all videos ...these are really awesome..it's very helpful in knowing animals in the way they are living in wild...

[@SunScourge]

I love your soundtrack. It's unique and fitting for every new episode! I always listen all the way to the end ^^

[@courtneyb6154]

Being a HUGE fan of nature and science, I just wanted to thank you guys for creating such a fun variety of topics. Very informative with fantastically detailed video AND the narrators voice is quite likable and entertaining. Keep up the awesome work!!! We all look forward to many more fun and exciting videos from you guys!

[@virg0_lem0nade]

i live in Northern California so these videos are extra fascinating to me since that's where almost all of these were filmed!! haha

[@yopichu]

This channel is very interesting, I learn a lot of new things I never knew existed! Good job!

[@ketogenicknowledge245]

I love these videos. The quality is amazing, and so interesting to watch.

[@geoffreymejia9492]

music is just great and so is amy standen's narration

[@palidus]

i absolutely love the narrators voice!! it wonderful!

[@ffblitz7990]

thank you so much for all your valuable work i just like it.. i put "like" for each episode i see, keep up the great work.

[@talturgeman9630]

i really like slugs.

[@scrubbytheslime7703]

slugg. I can see that

[@juanponceman4337]

slugs I can tell

[@itsmereem6748]

Me too

[@englandshope689]

ME TOO

[@camilionee1126]

I hate them

[@lonelydog4536]

I love this channel! Such great commentary and video footage. Keep up the good work :)

[@KQEDDeepLook]

+Lonely Person thanks, we will!

[@sandromariano1149]

There are two types of banana slugs the Californian banana slug and the Pacific banana slug, the Californian is like a real banana, the Pacific is like the rotten banana

[@adamw7411]

I love this KZbin because of channels like this. Thank you!

[@Interludes]

Banana slugs looks so cute!!

[@crunchygs8771]

i love your videos don't listen to anybody who says other wise you guys are making history i mean what else do you want a amazing narrating voice very calm and smooth pleasant to the ear and amazing cameras and you explain the video just so good thank you guys for entertaining my life

[@cokonutwolf4396]

I love your vids! It really helps alot

[@Ninja_man_son]

The sounds like holloween theme i like it👍🏼

[@legend2533]

These type of cute slugs looked very chewy

[@merfah7022]

I knew the banana I ate a few months ago tasted a little sluggish. This explains everything!

[@yume4687]

i love your channel omg. i feel like a 6 year old watching these and rediscovering everything lol and im like wayyy older xD

[@KQEDDeepLook]

Thank you, Yume! I hope you can tell your friends to come watch.

[@Aguyfrom225]

The way that slugs was eating that leaf, was so satisfying to watch. It was like a cartoon.

[@PsylentSir]

*Nevermind it's just crawling under your bed now*

[@ziimulhah3223]

I hate you

[@alvinarce9775]

Love deep look and banana slugs has been my favorite slug since i watched this video and seeing a snail eat a leaf males me shake down to my spine

[@helenalee6547]

This little guy should have starred in the bug's life movie hahahaha that would have been great ;)

[@myayearwood2751]

How could people not like this😪

[@JaxxsonJr]

why are these so fascinating

[@W.E.N.D.I.G.O]

Does it taste as good as a banana? Doubt it but what does it taste like

[@cosmopoiesecriandomundos7446]

Tastes like other slugs, duh.

[@alhdlakhfdqw]

great vids TQ very much!!!! :)

[@potetochii]

Narrator: So what is slime? Me: A new trend

[@themachokitty3180]

This is an amazing channel! I love it so so much! Why don't you have more subs???

[@KQEDDeepLook]

+The Macho Kitty Thank you for your support! We'd love to share our Deep Look videos with more subscribers.

[@ChakkyCharizard]

2160p. WHAT.

[@Viemexis]

ChakkyCharizard｜Chakky-P for the people who would say "I wish I could see slug slime in 4k"

[@KQEDDeepLook]

Viemexis And really, who doesn't want that??

[@2000yearOldYogiAspirant]

My pc can barely run 360 XD

[@malghamdi5054]

thanks for the video.

[@lucaslolz]

I feel like I'm covered with slime now, and it feels fantastic

[@stoneybuds420]

Official Banana Slug Member here! Requirements are to place a large banana slug on their nose for 60 seconds! I'm serious, I have a certificate.

[@phillipayoung10]

Partner in slime. Good one!!☺

[@danieljurca2113]

Beautiful and fascinating.

[@grass4655]

“Partners in slime” hahahaha

[@amanofcultur9903]

A greenhouse made of slug skin? That's just amazing

[@nunanagajugeo9499]

these contents are amazing! thx!

[@pixiehopper8]

I love banana slugs! 💛💛💛

[@isabellaessien2043]

I've always liked slugs :)

[@wilsonbakerr287]

So amazing deep look good job 😊

[@ceci3524]

OMG LOOK AT IT EATING ITS ADORABLE IM GONNA CRY

[@kk_tran]

i just want you to know that when i had a crush, these banana slug facts were told to him and idk why but it was the most memorable deep look fact i ever told him haha

[@charlottecarter2748]

Super super video! we could learn a lot from these little guys

[@KQEDDeepLook]

Charlotte Carter Thanks, Charlotte - we've been fans of these guys for a very long time.

[@johnbewley8231]

As always, brilliant video.

[@KQEDDeepLook]

+John Bewley Thank you so much!

[@justinniemeier3581]

"Slugs eat other slugs slime." Now say that five times fast silly.

[@ironclad3948]

they look like little friends, aww.

[@leongliyang6946]

I love this innocent creature

[@TanNguyen19770]

This is so interesting!

[@wolfblood1302]

Slugs are so cute!!!!

[@kobbey21]

I learn a lot from y’all

[@mastermavrick1818]

These slugs are so cute!

[@KQEDDeepLook]

We agree!

[@TheGreatSmush]

I am intrigued

[@memine226]

Except the unpleasant music, this video is actually by far the best in this channel. Have more depth than others.

[@WolfySnackrib666]

Yay! Banana! Hi slug!

[@YourMom-rq6yl]

So cute!

[@user-qh9ft7lh8o]

Love your videos

[@magickdumaine5517]

Fascinating

[@huntersmith1751]

Another great video! I love these! But, what's with the hole in the "side of it's head" that seems to expand and contract and sometimes disappear? I kind of wish they would have addressed that since they featured it in a few shots.

[@kiasimon6624]

That's a pneumostome, or a air hole that connects to its single lung which is on the right side of its body. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pneumostome

[@huntersmith1751]

Thank you! :)

[@Pikminman1000]

It's breathy hole

[@blueflames6961]

Now I know what's inside my LCD screen... thanks.

[@2zero.6]

2:29 why does it look sooo SATISFYING

[@aadi1]

You deserve more👍

[@peacebro9859]

That moving Banana is kinda Cool..

[@altonpitts2596]

Banana snails are so cool

[@Jamie-mp7tx]

This helps make sense of why snail mucin is a great topical skin product! It helps trap water for the skin to absorb!!

[@cuteduckdontlie4636]

Another crime against nature. Don’t embrace another life being taken for human pleasure. Humans should survive on their own resources leaving the animals in peace.

[@daanstrik4293]

Is iT creepy that I think slugs are kind of cute

[@KQEDDeepLook]

+Daan Strik Not at all. We think they're ridiculously cute!

[@englandshope689]

ME TOO !

[@yougotta2505]

you're a girl aren't you ?

[@ZeldaNerd137]

Omg his little mouth eating the leaf :3

[@blightedgrounds]

'Wimmy Wham wham wozzle!" Slurms MacKenzie

[@AlexNgiam]

I'm gonna call my mucus as liquid crystal from now on

[@katherinerichardson2273]

I didn't know they were so neat

[@Justaperson354]

I remember going to mt. Madonna as a kid and trying to smuggle some of the banana slugs out of the park haha.

[@forhandle111]

Keep up the good luck!!!

[@Ravist-P]

Miss you can't show this level of cuteness on 0:10

[@LifeOfPabs]

i kissed one of these when i was a kid at the 5th grade camp! LOL BAAAA-NAAAA-NAAAAA SLUG SLUG SLUG SLUG!

[@KQEDDeepLook]

Pablo Zamora Your avatar's shirt is a perfect shade of banana slug yellow.

[@LifeOfPabs]

haha! nice catch! 👍 :D

[@dragonfly111cute]

Pablo Zamora haha we did that too!

[@KQEDDeepLook]

dragonfly111cute Did your lips go numb?

[@dragonfly111cute]

Deep Look yep! I tell my kids this and they look at me like I am an alien haahaaha!

[@alexpar2966]

Finally. The secret of the ooze

[@davezuniga5581]

You guys make me want to change my major to biology haha

[@melodyy672]

*adds salt cutely*