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House and Garden Series
F@stSheet Ent-1039
Land planarians are one of the more unusual
and interesting creatures in and around greenhouses and gardens. One of the most
common Texas species is Bipalium kewense (shown above). This animal belongs
to one of the most primitive animal groups, the Phylum Platyhelminthes--also known as
flatworms. Originally from southeast Asia, this species has been dispersed by man to
more than 50 countries around the world.
Bipalium kewense is recognized by its
flattened head and longitudinal stripes. It is also one of the largest flatworms,
reaching lengths of up to 25 cm (10 inches). It is a slimy animal, well endowed with
mucus glands in its skin. It is even capable of hanging from leaves or branches by a
string of mucus. Terrestrial flatworms are predators, and locate their prey through
a process called chemosensation. Eggs are laid in capsules, and hatch as small
worms.
Like flatworms of biology textbook fame, land
planarians can also reproduce by dividing into fragments. They are not harmful to
people and make interesting subjects for science fair projects on chemical smell and
regeneration. In areas where they have become established, they can be collected on
the surface of moist soil, or are sometimes seen on sidewalks after a rain.
Most terrestrial (non-aquatic) planarians in
North America are exotic, having arrived here via the trade in potted foliage plants.
Although land planarians do not attack plants, they are predators of earthworms, a
fact that has raised concerns among some biologists. Unfortunately, little is known
about their distribution, ecology, or true impact on earthworms in Texas.
CONTROL
No control for flatworms is available or
recommended at this time. Avoid transferring infested potting soil or garden soil to
uninfested sites. Suspected potting soil should first be heat sterilized before
being used or transported.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
For more information about terrestrial flatworms see the book, Living Invertebrates,
by V. Pearse, J. Pearse, M. Buchsbaum and R. Buchsbaum, 1987, Blackwell Scientific
Publications.
Authors:
Michael Merchant, Ph.D., Urban Entomologist, Texas AgriLife Extension Service
Mary Wicksten, Ph.D. , Professor, Department of Biology, Texas A&M University
Publication information:
This publication is part of the House & Landscape Pest Series produced by the
Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843-2475. The
most recent update can be found at: http://165.95.73.17/FastSheets/Ent-1039.html . Series Editor: M. Merchant.
For more information about arthropods, check out the Texas A&M Entomology Website at http://insects.tamu.edu
Last revision: 10/9/01
The information given herein is for educational purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names is made with the understanding that no discrimination is intended and no endorsement by the Texas AgriLife Extension Service is implied. Additional, or updated copies of this fact sheet may be obtained by contacting the author(s) at the Texas AgriLife Extension Svc., 17360 Coit Road, Dallas, Texas 75252-6599. Extension programs serve people of all ages regardless of socioeconomic level, race, color, sex, religion, disability or national origin. The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperating.
All content and images Copyright © 2000, Texas AgriLife Extension Service, unless otherwise noted. All rights reserved.
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