My slug's genitals will not retract back into their body

[derocerasvalerian]

Hi everyone! I stumbled upon this community of mollusc loving fellows like me and have some questions about caring for a grey garden slug (deroceras reticulatum)!

Leonid is my grandslug hatched from an egg left by my slug, Sergei, before he passed away. Leonid has been by my side since April of 2021 and has been well-loved by me and by the household. I recently moved him from a small plastic enclosure to a large glass tank meant for reptiles and he seemed alright for the day. The next morning, I searched for him in his enclosure, and I found that Leonid's penis was sticking out. I put his leaf back over him as Leonid is a fellow animal like me and may appreciate privacy during his alone time. Then, later in the evening, I go to spray his enclosure, and his genitals are still out! This has been happening for about five days! I don't understand why his genitals won't just, ya know, retract into his body.

What's up with my slug?

[snaileyhammy]

Hi there! Welcome!!

Is your slug with any other slugs currently? He might have matured and wants to mate now, but you never know. It shouldn’t harm him any, so just watch him over the next few days until it retracts. Let us know what happens.

So glad you decided to join!