Land Mollusks and Worms - non-native

Land Planarian (hammerhead flatworm) (Family Geoplanidae) on May 3, 2021

Originally reported as Land Mollusk or Worm (unknown species) (various)

Submitter does not have a specimen

Description of specimen

Bipalium adventitium

Commentary

Thank you for your report! Bipalium adventitum is quite likely, though there are other flathead planarians in Oregon with similar characteristics. There are currently no actions being taken about these worms, but your observation helps us understand their distribution in the state and becomes a resource for future work. Best,
-Lindsey

Lindsey Wise
July 29, 2021, 8:21 a.m.

Resources

Several species of flathead worms have become invasive in the US. They can be difficult to tell apart and are not well-studied. Species reported from Oregon include Bipalium adventitum, Bipalium kewense, and Caenoplana coerulea among others.

Location

Corner of urban yard which was covered with compost adjacent to area covered with arborist chips on one side and gravel on the other, underneath 1 gallon nursery plant pot early to mid April.

Expert Reviewer

Mrs. Lindsey Wise
Oregon Biodiversity Information Center, inr.oregonstate.edu/orbic
Oregon iMapInvasives
Institute for Natural Resources
Portland State University

© 2024 Portland State University | Contact us for questions regarding site content