According to reports from media outlets such as Asahi Shimbun, Japan is currently under threat by Limax Maximus: a giant slug with a distinctive leopard-print skin. This slug was first discovered in Japan back in 2006. However, the area in which it can be found is increasing at an alarming rate.

As Japanese netizens read the headline, almost unanimously, comments of “It’s Eleking!” echoed like the horrific memories of the nation’s previous encounters with alien slugs.

Japan’s first encounter with giant alien slugs occurred in 1967 when Eleking was sent by evil Pitt Sisters to wreak havoc on the planet. Luckily much of the battle between it, Ultraman and his capsule monster Miclas took place in the wilderness, limiting human casualties.

Although, Ultraman had defeated Eleking on that one occasion, it returned several times since then in many cases taking untold toll to life and property in cities such as Tokyo.

Images of these epic yet tragic battles are hard to come by as Eleking is protected by a magical ring of lawyers which keeps him shrouded in a cloak of litigation. So here’s a reenactment of three Elekings trampling a city and its inhabitants to the beat of a Perfume song.

Although Limax Maximus (aka great slug) bears similar markings to Eleking it doesn’t appear to be able to shock on contact and shoot lasers out of its mouth… yet. It also is considerably smaller at 10 to 15 centimeters (4-6 inches) compared to Eleking’s length of 53 meters.

However, experts warn the introduction the great slug to Japan could be harmful to a wide variety of crops such as nappa cabbage or oyster mushrooms. Currently they are only found in parts of Ibaraki, Fukushima, and Nagano Prefectures but the range is gradually expanding.

It’s believed that the great slug came to Japan by its eggs being imported with some exotic plants. Although the slug originated in Europe it has already invaded countries around the world such as Australia and the USA.

With its leopard print markings we can only assume that this species of large slugs is making a path towards Osaka where they can blend in with the surroundings more easily.

Source: Naver Matome, Asahi Shimbun, Papipu (Japanese)
Images: Amazon, Wikipedia – WackoJacko (Inset), Steven N. Severinghaus (Top) Video: YouTube DIG SON