Fears hammerhead flatworms ‘could invade world’ and cause ‘serious damage’ to gardens

Newly found hammerhead flatworms might trigger havoc in British gardens in the event that they make their approach right here (Image: SWNS)

A brand new species of invasive flatworm that likes to ‘snack on slugs and snails’ could possibly be headed for British gardens, scientists have warned.

The species is one in all two hammerhead flatworms found in Europe that threatens to trigger severe harm to biodiversity internationally.

Globalisation has helped invasive animal and plant species leap from one nation to the following, in some circumstances with disastrous penalties.

Greater than 10 species of flatworm are recognized to have made their approach across the globe, primarily due to the plant commerce.

These embrace Obama nungara, initially from Argentina, Platydemus manokwari from New Guinea, and Bipalium kewense from south-east Asia.

They threaten to upset their new properties’ pure biodiversity and prey on different soil dwellers like earthworms, slugs and snails.

Now, scientists from the Nationwide Historical past Museum in Paris have found two new species which might wreak havoc.

The primary species, named Humbertium covidum, has been found in gardens in France and Italy.

An invasive species of hammerhead worm present in Mayotte within the Indian Ocean (Image: Laurent Charles / SWNS)

It measures round 1.2 inches (3cm) lengthy and is uniformly metallic black, an uncommon color amongst hammerhead flatworms.

When scientists analysed its intestines they found it enjoys feasting on small snails and was more likely to originate from Asia.

The second new species, named Diversibipalium mayottensism, was found on the French island of Mayotte, within the Indian Ocean.

It additionally measures simply 1.2 inches, however has a spectacular green-blue iridescence over a brown earth color.

Evaluation confirmed the colorful species was a sister group of all different hammerhead flatworms, making it of particular curiosity for understanding its evolution.

It’s believed to have originated from Madagascar and been delivered to Mayotte by individuals.

Professor Jean-Lou Justine from the Nationwide Historical past Museum in Paris instructed The Solar: ‘These species have the potential to grow to be invasive and unfold everywhere in the world.’

He mentioned one of many species had been named ‘covidum’ in honour of victims of pandemic.

Hammerhead flatworms can develop as much as three toes (just below one metre) in size.

.