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Flatworm with prey

Geoplanidae

Photo by LarryGraziano
Published on Project Noah
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10.1987, -85.8257

Field Notes

Description:

These flatworms are nocturnal. I only see them during the heaviest part of the rainy season when the ground is saturated. <br> This is the first and only time I saw one with prey... Acanalonia sp.

Habitat:

Tropical dry forest in NW Costa Rica 5 months into the 6 month rainy season.

Notes:

Without seeing the head species confirmation is unlikely. <br>
Another found in CR with similar color and markings - http://alexhyde.photoshelter.com/image/I0000dmwJcAE0Gyw

Species ID Suggestions

Comments (24)
Liana
That is nuts! One of those right time, right place shots! Wonderful series. Thank you for sharing :)
DanielePralong
Your spotting has been nominated for the Spotting of the Week. The winner will be chosen by the Project Noah Rangers based on a combination of factors including: uniqueness of the shot, status of the organism (for example, rare or endangered), quality of the information provided in the habitat and description sections. There is a subjective element, of course; the spotting with the highest number of Ranger votes is chosen. Congratulations on being nominated Larry!
SukanyaDatta
I was not a member of PN when you posted this...what a gem I had missed. Thanks to Mark for unearthing it...and to you for having shared it.
LarryGraziano
Thanks staccyh! Thanks Env. I noticed your spotting suggestion Env! Thanks. Unfortunately, this is not the hammerhead flatworm. Boy, I wish it was! Here is a link to the same species on my page: http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/17711023 This spotting, although darker in colour is the same species as this spotting.
staccyh
Wow, its an amazing spotting!! Congrats.
LarryGraziano
Thanks Sergio, Leanne, Claire, and Carol! You are my champions!
LeanneGardner
Fantastic! What a great spotting. I didn't even know what they ate or that they could eat something that big!
LarryGraziano
Thanks Scott! Thanks Nance, I didn't know either. I had no idea that they preyed on live animals until I read more. I posted this some time back on the Facebook page and there was some discussion about whether the hopper was alive or not. I assure that it was moving and alive but not necessarily struggling. Thanks Alice!
auntnance123
Interesting--I didn't realize they took such large prey.
LarryGraziano
Thanks Argy, I couldn't believe it as I watched it!

Spotted for Missions

Mission
Paso Pacifico Survey

Tags

Photographed
PublishedFebruary 5, 2013

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