Discover Nature at JCU Animals Miscellaneous fauna Dolichoplana sp.

Dolichoplana sp.

Image of Dolichoplana flatworm

(Long Wanderer Flatworm)

FAMILY

Rhynchdodemidae

Species

Dolichoplana sp.

Common name

Long Wanderer Flatworm

Colour

Dark grey-black

Habitat

Under rotting vegetation, in garden soil. Under very wet conditions may be encountered crawling on pathways and up the sides of buildings. Appears to feed exclusively on earthworms, and is a major pest in earthworm farms in north and south-eastern Queensland. Native to open woodlands of north eastern Australia.

Description

Length 5-10 cm. Long and thin like a shoe-lace, grey-black with fine paired light and dark stripes along the back; belly pale grey. Head slightly tapered with two eyes.