New Zealand flatworm facts for kids
The New Zealand flatworm (Arthurdendyus triangulatus) is a large land flatworm that originally comes from New Zealand. When it first hatches, it's only about 5 mm long. But as it grows, it can become quite big, reaching up to 17 cm! This flatworm is considered an invasive species in some parts of Europe. This means it has spread to new places where it doesn't naturally belong.
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About the New Zealand Flatworm
The New Zealand flatworm has a special look. Its underside is a light, pale color, like buff. But its top side is a dark brown. When they are young, these flatworms can be white or light orange. They get their adult brown color as they grow bigger.
During the day, you can often find these flatworms resting. They like to hide under things that are close to the ground, like logs or stones. They might also dig a little bit under the soil. This is where they hunt for their food: earthworms.
How New Zealand Flatworms Reproduce
Flatworms reproduce by making egg capsules. Each capsule is about 8 mm long. When they are first laid, the capsules are shiny, flexible, and cherry red. After a few days, they turn black.
After some time, several tiny, pale flatworms hatch from the capsule. Only one egg capsule is made at a time. You can even see a bulge on the adult worm's back when it's carrying an egg capsule.
How New Zealand Flatworms Move
When a New Zealand flatworm is resting, it often rolls itself up. It can look like a tiny Swiss roll! When it wants to move, it unrolls. The front part of its body stretches forward and becomes very thin.
As it moves, the flatworm lifts its head a little bit off the ground. Then it lowers it again. Its body muscles help it glide along. It also produces a slimy mucus. This mucus helps it move smoothly by reducing friction. These flatworms can move surprisingly fast, up to 17 meters (about 56 feet) in an hour!
New Zealand Flatworm as an Invasive Species
The New Zealand flatworm is an invasive species in Europe. This means it has spread to places where it doesn't naturally live. In Europe, it mostly eats earthworms. Earthworms are very important for healthy soil. When the flatworms eat too many earthworms, it can make the soil less healthy.
Most animals in Europe don't like to eat the New Zealand flatworm. However, some frogs and beetle larvae have been seen eating them. The flatworm has been found in England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, and the Faroe Islands. It might have arrived in Europe in the early 1960s. The first time it was recorded was in Belfast in 1963.
New Zealand flatworms can easily travel by accident. They often hide in plant pots, either as adults or as egg capsules. They are common in garden centers. It's thought they might have arrived in the UK with plants from other countries.
Experts think these flatworms could also spread to other parts of Europe. This includes western Norway, southern Sweden, Denmark, Germany, and northern Poland.
Similar invasions by other types of flatworms are happening around the world. For example, flatworms from the Bipalium group are found in North America. And Platydemus flatworms are on many Pacific islands. One type, Platydemus manokwari, was even found in Europe recently in 2013.
See also
In Spanish: Planaria de Nueva Zelanda para niños
