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Hammerhead Worm

Bipalium sp.

Published on Project Noah
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30.328, -92.0924

Field Notes

Description:

Size of large worm. Brownish in color with half moon shaped head

Habitat:

Crawling out of woody area after heavy rains

Notes:

It attacked and killed an earth worm

Species ID Suggestions

Hammerhead Worm

Bipalium sp.

Reference Link
Liam
3

Comments (4)
ChristineWalshLeblanc
I actually spotted this creature at the school where I work. I was observing him with two students and it attacked and killed an earthworm that was on the sidewalk. Thank you for the helpful information. I will definitely make sure that these creatures do not make a home in my garden.
MrsPbio
Also called a Land Planarian, this flatworm species is one you DO NOT WANT in your garden! It's an invasive alien, and preys on your beneficial native earthworms. If you have a worm bin or vermicomposting system, it's a living nightmare. One planarian like this in your bin can destroy your entire composting worm colony in a matter of days. I don't usually recommend destroying living things, but this is one organism I make an exception for! (I do have a worm bin....)

Spotted for Missions

Mission
Louisiana Wild!
Photographed
PublishedApril 15, 2013

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