Ghost slugs: Why we're watching out for spooky slugs

The blind ghost slug, as it is known, was spotted by chance making its way along a path

What's got sharp teeth, is bright white and crawls around at night?

Well, that creepy question is what one person in Gloucestershire thought when they discovered a 'ghost slug' making its way along a path.

They sent a photograph to the Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust, which is now asking people to report any more sightings of these unusual creatures.

Tina Bouttle from Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust, said: "They are quite easy to identify. They are ghostly white. You won't miss it."

What is a 'ghost slug'?

Experts say these slugs are are cave dwellers and live underground so they're not usually found

Ghost slugs weren't well known in the UK before 2006, when this mysterious ghost slug was first discovered in a lane in Caerphilly, South Wales.

Scientists named it Selenochlamys ysbryda, or ghost slug. The name partly comes from the Welsh word for ghost, ysbryd.

A year later another one was found by a gardener in the Welsh capital city of Cardiff. It was believed to have come from Ukraine and could have made its way over inside a plant pot!

The slug is known as a 'non-native' species, which means it isn't naturally found in the area and has only been introduced because of human activity.

Unlike most slugs, this one is carnivorous, which means it eats meat. It feasts on earthworms at night with powerful, blade-like teeth, sucking them in like spaghetti.

Earthworms are important to our ecosystems as they keep soil healthy. They burrow through the soil, allowing it to take in air and to get water.

How will I know if I find a ghost slug?

Ghost slugs love eating earthworms

They're hard to find as they usually spend their time underground.

But you'll know if you've found one due to their 'ghostly' white appearance.

So if you spot one of these spooky slugs when you're out and about at night be sure to tell someone and let us know in the comments!