Ask Dr Bec: What makes the Mount Kaputar pink slugs pink?

Q: What makes the Mount Kaputar pink slugs pink?

If you’ve had the good fortune of wandering the slopes of Mount Kaputar during a cold and rain day, you might have stumbled upon a gathering of radiant pink slugs.

Both locals and visitors alike can’t help but be mesmerised by these extravagant critters, proudly displaying their eye-catching “look at me” magenta pink colour.

So, what’s the deal with their flamboyant fashion sense?

Well, these slugs are basically the rockstars of the snail world, thanks to a pigment called porphyrin.

This isn’t just any pigment; it’s the secret ingredient in their slimy show-stopping act.

Picture it like the slug version of applying a colourful filter to your Instagram photos – instant pink perfection.

Now, the scientists aren’t entirely sure why these slugs went for the pink look.

Maybe it’s like slug sunscreen, protecting them from the harsh UV rays.

Or perhaps it’s their way of saying to predators, “I might taste good, but I look even better, so back off!”

These slugs are not your average herbivores; they’ve got a taste for the unique plant species exclusive to Mount Kaputar.

It’s like they’re on a gourmet diet, and the pigments from these plants get mixed into their system, cranking up the pink factor.

And get this – these slugs are the VIPs of Mount Kaputar, found nowhere else on earth.

This exclusivity suggests they’ve been rocking their pink vibe for ages, perfectly adapted to the mountain’s quirks.

In a nutshell, the pink slugs of Mount Kaputar are the funky fashionistas of the snail world.

Their colour comes from a mix of slimy porphyrin magic and a diet that’s as exclusive as a secret club.

So, the next time you’re in Mount Kaputar, keep an eye out for these fabulous slugs and give a nod to the vibrant biodiversity that makes our local mountain truly extraordinary.

Ask Dr Bec: How high can the temperature go? – The Courier (narrabricourier.com.au)