Death slugs are lifeforms from the planet Ilus.
Background[]
Biology[]
These slugs secrete a powerful neurotoxin, identified as Coniine[1], through their slime. When the slime comes into contact with human skin, it causes respiratory failure and nearly immediate death.
Throughout the books and series[]
 “Enter a new frontier” — Spoilers for Cibola Burn follow.
|
After the threat of death slugs has been realized, the people of Ilus carefully work in groups with a dedicated person on slug watch.
Origin[]
The slugs originate from underneath the surface of the planet, that emerge after the storm from the reactor failure explosion.
When an RCE staff member is found dead inside the Ring builder ruins, another member of the RCE attempts to kill a Belter who he believed to have drowned his friend in a pond. When stopped, the Belter's head is revealed to be covered in Death Slugs, killing him in seconds. The RCE member who tried to kill him then had another death slug fall on his head that he then grabbed, dying seconds later. Using a UV torchlight, Holden then discovers dozens of Death Slugs spread over the walls.
After the threat of death slugs has been realized, the people of Ilus carefully work in groups with a dedicated person on slug watch. Amos used a blowtorch to kill any that came close, even after he'd been blinded.
Origin[]
The slugs appear to come from the ocean and were brought inland by the tsunami after the reactor failure explosion.
See also[]
Trivia[]
- In real life, Coniine takes approximately half an hour to a few hours to cause death.[2]
Media[]
References
- ↑ The Expanse TV Series - Season 4, Episode 7: "A Shot in The Dark"
- ↑
Coniine