Observations in the held suggest that moss shoots are seldom freely consumed by either vertebrate or invertebrate herbivores, but damage to immature capsules by slugs is abundant. Palatability of the mossesMnium hornum, Brachythecium rutabulumandFunaria hygrometricato the generalist herbivores,Arion subfuscusandA. rufuswas investigated by offering the slugs four stages in the moss life cycle; protonema, leafy shoot, immature capsule and mature capsule. The slugs showed a preference for immature capsules and protonemata in all moss species tested. Consumption of shoots ofM. hornumandB. rutabulumwas negligible even after seven days starvation, but some shoots ofF. hygrometricawere eaten in every overnight trial performed. Shoot extracts on starch‐wafer substrate appeared to be more acceptable than intact shoots suggesting that the cell wall provides the barrier to free consumption. The form and location of a possible feeding deterrent is discusse