New Zealand Flatworm

mkHenry's post about earthworms on a recent thread reminded me about these blighters ...

The New Zealand Flatworm, Arthurdendyus triangulatus, is a serious predator of earthworm populations and can virtually wipe them out with dire consequences for soil aeration and fertility.

They are more likely to occur in cooler, damper climates so Ireland and West of Scotland see more of them.  They are a huge problem in the Faroe Islands.

If you find them, kill them.  Do not pick them up with bare hands since their slime is irritant to human skin.  Drop them in a bucket of salty water - warm or hot water will kill quicker.

For more info, see http://www.organicgardening.org.uk/factsheets/pc21.php

Have you seen one?  Do tell us when and where.

none in andover yet wg (fortunately), my sister has them in edinburgh though.

a good reason for carefully checking the provenance of any container bought plants so as not to accidentally introduce it to a previously NZFW-free area.

I'm not trying to be alarmist but there have been occurences in England and Wales too : http://flatworm.csl.gov.uk/images/map_large.gif

I've never found one and certainly hope never to do so.   Got loads of earthworms and a healthy collection of composting worms too.

Be vigilant!

I to haven't seen one in my neck of the woods.
coatesi

They'd be more of a problem in the South Island, I'd imagine.  They'd be killed off by your summer temperatures.

Same map as I included above Aunty