New Zealand flatworm
Arthurdendyus triangulatus
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Photo credit: ©The Food and Environment Research Agency (Fera)
Arthurdendyus triangulatus
Habitat:
Widely Spread Species:
Origin and Distribution:
Impacts:
How did it get here?
Is it found in Northern Ireland?
You can help by reporting any sightings: @ the Centre for Environmental Data & Recording (CEDaR) - Or via the iRecord App.
Prevent Spread:
Current Legislative Position (Listed on 14 August 2019)
Arthurdendyus triangulatus
Habitat:
- Undisturbed soils near the surface. Under cover such as rocks and stones.
Widely Spread Species:
- Under Article 19 of Invasive Alien Species Regulation (1143/2014) New Zealand flatworm has been identified as a Widely Spread Species in Northern Ireland and as such, management measures have been put in place to minimise its impacts.
Description:
- Unlike the well known native earthworm, the invasive New Zealand flatworm does not have the segmented body that is easily recognised.
- The flatworm does, as the name suggests, have a flattened body that is pointed at both ends and covered in sticky mucus.
- Colour can vary making it difficult for members of the public to identify but in general specimens are grey, or brown, with a pale yellow margin and underside covered by specks.
Origin and Distribution:
- A. triangulatus originates from New Zealand however other species of predatory flatworms originate from Australia and elsewhere.
Impacts:
- Earthworms form a pivotal function in terrestrial ecosystems in Ireland. They are responsible for aerating the soil and decomposing plant material while also regulating drainage to some extent by creating burrows.
- The New Zealand flatworm has been shown to significantly reduce earthworm numbers from both agricultural lands and gardens in Northern Ireland and Ireland.
How did it get here?
- It is believed that this species arrived in Northern Ireland and Ireland via the horticulture trade by contamination of plant potting soil from New Zealand.
Is it found in Northern Ireland?
- The New Zealand Flatworm was introduced to Northern Ireland in the early 60’s. It is currently known from all 6 counties in Northern Ireland where it is generally concentrated around built up urban areas such as Belfast.
- More distribution information can be found at NBN Atlas NI.
You can help by reporting any sightings: @ the Centre for Environmental Data & Recording (CEDaR) - Or via the iRecord App.
Prevent Spread:
- Inspect incoming consignments of plants
- Maintain good hygiene
- Inspect your site for flatworms
- Check plant products for flatworms
- Report sightings.
Further resources:
- Tips to help prevent their introduction and establishment in your garden
- ISI Horticulture Guidance
- Click here or on the image below to watch a short video about the New Zealand flatworm
Video produced by BeBiodiversity
Current Legislative Position (Listed on 14 August 2019)
- This species must not intentionally be brought into the Union; kept; bred; transported to, from or within the United Kingdom, unless for the transportation to facilities in the context of eradication; placed on the market; used or exchanged; permitted to reproduce, grown or cultivated; or released into the environment.
NIEA-ID-Guide-Arthurdendyus-triangulatus-New-Zealand-Flatworm-V3-Oct24