This species of worm is thought to be invasive because it feeds on our beneficial earthworms as well as snails, slugs and insects. The worm is believed to have spread to Ohio in the movement of soil or potted plants and nursery stock from states in the southern part of the country. Populations of these worms have become established in southern states in the United States. The worms are native to countries in Asia, Africa, Australia and South America. chez moi! Hammerhead flatworms (Platyhelminthes, Geoplanidae, Bipalium spp., Diversibipalium spp.These worms have not been found in central Ohio. Justine, Jean-Lou Winsor, Leigh Gey, Delphine Gros, Pierre Thévenot, Jessica (2018).'Confirmation and Distribution of Tetrodotoxin for the First Time in Terrestrial Invertebrates: Two Terrestrial Flatworm Species ( Bipalium adventitium and Bipalium kewense)'. 'Predation behaviour of land planarians'. 'Lumbricid Prey and Potential Herpetofaunal Predators of the Invading Terrestrial Flatworm Bipalium adventitium (Turbellaria: Tricladida: Terricola)'. 'Reproductive ecology and evolution in the invasive terrestrial planarian Bipalium adventitium across North America'. 'Rare Egg Capsule Production in the Invasive Terrestrial Planarian Bipalium Kewense'. Species are differentiated by the shape of the head, size, coloration, and stripe pattern. The underside of the planarian has a large 'creeping sole' used for locomotion. The most distinctive features of the hammerhead worm are its fan- or spade-shaped head and long, flattened body. Fun Fact: The hammerhead worm is one of only a very few terrestrial invertebrates known to produce the neurotoxin tetrodotoxin.

Habitat: Distributed worldwide, preferring humid, warm habitats.

Diet: Carnivorous, known to eat earthworms and each other.

adventitium) to over 20 cm in length ( B.

Distinguishing Features: Large terrestrial planarian with a spade-shaped head and ventral foot or 'creeping sole'.

Other Names: Broadhead planarian, 'landchovy'.

Worm with a flat head