The leaf-like forms are typically dull gray, dark brown, blue or black (see images). Some are wider in the middle and leaf-like, with pointed ends, while others are thin and elongate with a distinct crescent-shaped “hammerhead”. Although they can stretch and contract easily, they come in a few general shapes. Terrestrial flatworms vary in size, from just a few millimeters to over one foot (12”) long. Some flatworms may be confused for dark slugs, but they lack the tentacles found in slugs and do not have any texture to the body. They are shiny, covered in a slime-like substance that aids their movement and keeps them from drying out. NC State University and local agencies are not currently tracking species that are already known to exist in the state, but are interested in knowing whether people encounter new species.Īs their name suggests, flatworms are legless animals with a flattened appearance. In recent years these worms may have increased in numbers alternatively awareness of them has increased, possibly due to widespread use of digital cameras and the internet allowing the public to recognize these creatures more readily. For example, the alien-looking hammerhead worm Bipalium kewense has been in North Carolina since at least the 1950s. Several species exist in North Carolina, either being native, long-established exotic species, or newly introduced species. Human trade and movement of items that can contain these worms (for example potted plants and soil) has aided their movement across the world. Terrestrial flatworms are most diverse in the tropics, especially SE Asia, Australia, Africa, and South America. These worms are often variously called land planarians, terrestrial flatworms, or hammerhead worms (specific to a particular group see Identification section for discussion). Although most are fully aquatic, there are many species that exist on land in moist, terrestrial habitats, particularly those in the family Geoplanidae. Flatworms are a diverse group of animals in the phylum Platyhelminthes.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |