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scythemantis — Bipalium Kewense
Published: 2009-05-12 19:48:13 +0000 UTC; Views: 2702; Favourites: 20; Downloads: 21
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Description
My BIG hammer-headed worm, found wild in Florida. These are a type of terrestrial, carnivorous planarian (flatworm) and primarily attack earthworms, which they can dissolve into sludge with a secretion from their body. Their highly concealed mouth is actually halfway down their length, on their underside. The wide head is packed with sensory cells that can follow the slime-trail of other invertebrates, and if cut into pieces they will grow into multiple new worms!This species can grow up to a FOOT in length, but doesn't get much wider than this...just long and stringy.
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Comments: 27
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Sadly, all of mine suddenly vanished seemingly overnight, and any I've caught since have also lasted only briefly...no clue why, and I've still never seen one eat D:
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Well at least you have good wildlife in Florida. Besides the yearly bug fair, there is really no interesting local insects. Not here deep in Los Angeles anyway.
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This thing's awesome, it looks like plastic or rubber!
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That is so cool especially the chopped up bits growing into new worms, hax!
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Highly adorable, and indescribably awesome!!
You're so lucky to live in a wonderful place like Florida.
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Wildlife like this is the only positive though...Florida lacks the kinds of beautiful forests, creeks and landscapes that make me happiest.
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Awww. Well, hey-- we have loads of lovely landscapes here in Alberta! Of course, I'm still stuck here in the middle of the city most of the time.
Tell you what, let's make a trade. You can send me some beetles, planarians, and other lovely invertebrates, and I'll send you some fir trees and prairie clouds. Do we have a deal?
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What an adorable terrestrial Turbellarian! How long have you had this one?
I visited Florida last winter, and I read that these planaria can be found under rocks in damp habitats, yet I completely forgot to look for them. Oh well, maybe next time...
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I found this big one only days ago, and found two more, almost as large, the same night! This was amazing because I'd been here a year, constantly on the lookout for creatures, and only found a little baby before.
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I see. What became of the other two land planaria you posted a photo of a few months ago?
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One ate the other, and then I let that one go cause I could never find worms small enough that it'd eat.
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Ah... That's a shame. Releasing the other one was probably a good idea, then.
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omg omg omg omg! I always wanted one of those!!!!!!!!!!! those rock! Aren't they rare?
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Not rare, but they hide well. I found three this size in one night, and found a dozen tinier ones throughout last year. They're actually considered a serious pest in worm farms, where they can wipe out thousands of worms in a couple of days!
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oh really? I didn't know that! lol I still want some
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Amazing, I thought it was a snake in the thumbnail view.
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Ooh! I found one of these in my back yard a few years ago.I didn't touch it because I've never seen one before, and I'm always wary of strange invertebrates...
Glad to know what species it is, now.
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