Ash-black slug - this magnificent gastropod is the epitome of grace

Britain's biggest slug's elegance in motion turns into something stranger when it is mating timeInvertebrate of the year 2024: all hail Earth's spineless heroesNominate your UK invertebrate species of the yearIf elegance is your thing then consider the ash-black slug. Its nightly forays through the forest in search of fungi are the epitome of grace, a stately glide not only along the woodland floor but up and along the mossy branches of trees.If size is your thing, then the ash-black slug must get your vote. Britain's biggest slug is one of the largest land slugs in the world. The ash-black slug can grow up to 30cm (11.8in) in length, although most measure up at a still impressive 10-20cm.Welcome to the Guardian's UK invertebrate of the year competition. Every day between 2 April and 12 April we'll be profiling one of the incredible invertebrates that live in and around the UK. Let us know which invertebrates you think we should be including here. And at midnight on Friday 12 April, voting will open to decide which is our favourite invertebrate - for now - with the winner to be announced on Monday 15 April. Continue reading...