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Any ideas on this worm

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Posts

  • fidgetbonesfidgetbones Posts: 17,618
    I agree with Dove. If that is what it is, it shouldn't be here, so contact RHS or DEFRA.
  • RubytooRubytoo Posts: 1,630
    Fingers crossed HH. You have chosen the best course of action. I think there are variations and photos of the flatness etc can be deceptive. If in doubt ask an expert.
    I am not normally a "queasy" kind of person, but these do make me, I don't know why.
  • dave125dave125 Posts: 178
    Caenoplana coerulea seems the best candidate I agree but looking at pictures and videos of this worm it just seems to be much flatter Wiggle is just so much more earthworm like in shape without the flat edges.
    Hopefully I will get the answer from NHM soon if he is a snail and bug eater fine he can go back but if he is a worm killer then !!!!

    De-hydration would seem a likely cause?
  • FlinsterFlinster Posts: 883
    Give it a slug to eat and see what happens lol! It’s certainly intriguing and looking forward to hearing the answer!
  • Jules41Jules41 Posts: 178
    Wow! He's beautiful!  Excited to find out what he is 🐌🐉🐞🐛🐛🐛🐛🐾
  • After some time after sending them a few live specimens the NHM have confirmed it is "Caenoplana Coerulea", New Zealand Blue Flat Worm, and not considered a problem which is good new's as I have found lots more in recent weeks.

    Apparently it feeds on among other things Earwigs, M
    illipedes, Snails and the like so can be considered a friend and should not be destroyed phew 


    "You don't stop gardening because you get old, you get old because you stop gardening." - The Hampshire Hog
  • RubytooRubytoo Posts: 1,630
    Thanks for updating this, Hampshire _Hog. nice to know that if anybody asks we can  now send them to this topic with the Natural History Museum answer as backup.
    And you being resident expert :)

  • According to NHM they were first found in the UK about fifty years ago but may well of come over with the first plants from New Zealand in the 18th century, they can be found over most of UK but particularly in the warmer south  :/

    "You don't stop gardening because you get old, you get old because you stop gardening." - The Hampshire Hog
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