The Obama flatworm ( Obama nungara), was first reported in 2014, it is native to South America, and is spreading across Europe. This has undesirable effects on soil structure and also denies earthworms as a food resource for those native animals that feed on them. This flatworm originates from New Zealand and is now thriving in Scotland, Northern England and Northern Ireland. It feeds exclusively on earthworms and is capable of reducing earthworm populations. It arrived in Britain, probably with imported plants, during the 1960s and it has since become widely distributed. The New Zealand flatworm ( Arthurdendyus triangulates) reaches 20cm (8in) in length and is dark brown with a paler margin. It was first recorded on the Isles of Scilly in 1980’s and since has become widespread in southern England and Wales. The Australian flatworm ( Australplana sanguinea) is salmon-pink, pointed at both ends and reaches 2-8cm in length. However, several other species had been accidentally introduced including two Kontikia species and there is evidence that non-native flatworms continue to be introduced including the Obama flatworm Both species specialise on earthworms and they can severely reduce the populations of some earthworm species and consequently affect the soil ecosystem. The majority of the non-native flatworm species prey on earthworms, slugs, snails and other soil organisms. Australian and New Zealand flatworms are two species that have become established and widespread in Britain and Ireland. They are found throughout the world, in Britain and Ireland there are about four species considered native and probably 17 non-native species that have become established, originating from the southern hemisphere. They are covered with mucus and usually leave a trail. They are small, flattened, animals often with a ribbon like appearance and unsegmented body. Land flatworms (Platyhelminthes) are a group (class of animal) of free-living worms. RHS Flower Show Tatton Park - TBC July 2024.RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival - 2–7 July 2024.RHS Garden Wisley Flower Show - 5–10 September 2023.RHS Garden Rosemoor Flower Show - 18–20 August 2023.RHS Garden Hyde Hall Flower Show - 2–6 August 2023.

Flat worms on my south florida patio