Invasive species New Guinea flatworm devours snails and earthworms, disturbing local ecosystems. (Photo : Wikimedia)
Apparently one of the most invasive species in the world has been detected in the United States that raises important environmental concerns as this flatworm feasts on snails and earthworms according to researchers.
This new research reveals that the New Guinea flatworm (Platydemus manokwari) which is a vile, slimy parasite is also wreaking havoc in Puerto Rico, Tahiti and even France and Singapore among many other countries.
The flatworm has since been seen in some gardens in Miami, Florida where biologists are worried about these creatures potentially destroying the indigenous ecosystem by devouring earthworms and local snails that are crucial for plants and soil.
This flatworm is apparently indigenous to New Guinea located in Oceania where would be predators are instantly turned off by its pungent taste such as birds.
According to lead author of the study Jean-Lou Justine from the Institute of Systematics, Evolution and Biodiversity located in Paris, this creature should be taken as a significant threat for the entire U.S. and the rest of the Americas.
These reports in Florida is a major concern since it is part of mainland America, according to researchers.
Researchers say that flatworm infested territories in the past were usually islands that made the spread of this deadly invasive species rather limited.
Scientists also warn that this flatworm can also passively spread to infested plants and soil. They usually dwell in the ground but can apparently climb trees to reach snails.
Flatworms are usually black and olive hued where they are measured around two inches long and five millimeters wide. It is also part of the top 100 worst invasive species list by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature.
This study is published in the journal PeerJ.
