Bipalium flatworm - Ask Extension
I believe I have found a Bipalium flatworm (Bipalium adventitium) in my garden. It was moving across the soil surface. Now that I read it is an earthw...
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Bipalium flatworm #215568
Asked October 04, 2014, 1:05 PM EDT
I believe I have found a Bipalium flatworm (Bipalium adventitium) in my garden. It was moving across the soil surface. Now that I read it is an earthworm predator I am inclined to dispose of it.
How common is this in the Eugene area and is this a concern?
Lane County Oregon
Expert Response
Hi There,
Like many organisms (especially the smaller, less charismatic fauna), we know very little about their distribution, abundance and ecology. On various, online biodiversity databases, I see only two reported sitings 'close' to Eugene, and these have been in Northern California. However, a scholarly publication notes that this flatworm was first introduced to North America (from Asia) over 60 years ago, and that it is now widely distributed across North America. However, this assertion seems primarily related to observations on how widespread this flatworm is in New York.
Before disposing of this flatworm, I would suggest that you take it to your local Extension office (if you still have access to it), to confirm its identification. As an entomologist, it may be interesting to document the extent of this planarian in Oregon gardens ~ to see if hypotheses that emerged from the NYC work are more broadly applicable. I am not saying that I can take this on as a research project (my plate is so full right now!). Still, if it is a specimen of Bipalium adventitium, it may make for a quick and fun citizen science research project.
Now, regarding your question about whether or not you should dispose of it ~ it is hard to say. Many researchers have noted that they are voracious predators of earthworms, and that they may negatively impact earthworm populations. But, we know so little about the ecology and distribution of this flatworm that it's difficult to say if disposing of it will make any difference (i.e. are they 'naturalized' to Oregon, so that disposing of one will make no difference, or are they new to Oregon, so that disposing of one will potentially make a difference). I suspect it is the former, rather than the latter . . . but we just don't know much, at this point.
Thank you for your question. I look forward to potentially learning more!
Like many organisms (especially the smaller, less charismatic fauna), we know very little about their distribution, abundance and ecology. On various, online biodiversity databases, I see only two reported sitings 'close' to Eugene, and these have been in Northern California. However, a scholarly publication notes that this flatworm was first introduced to North America (from Asia) over 60 years ago, and that it is now widely distributed across North America. However, this assertion seems primarily related to observations on how widespread this flatworm is in New York.
Before disposing of this flatworm, I would suggest that you take it to your local Extension office (if you still have access to it), to confirm its identification. As an entomologist, it may be interesting to document the extent of this planarian in Oregon gardens ~ to see if hypotheses that emerged from the NYC work are more broadly applicable. I am not saying that I can take this on as a research project (my plate is so full right now!). Still, if it is a specimen of Bipalium adventitium, it may make for a quick and fun citizen science research project.
Now, regarding your question about whether or not you should dispose of it ~ it is hard to say. Many researchers have noted that they are voracious predators of earthworms, and that they may negatively impact earthworm populations. But, we know so little about the ecology and distribution of this flatworm that it's difficult to say if disposing of it will make any difference (i.e. are they 'naturalized' to Oregon, so that disposing of one will make no difference, or are they new to Oregon, so that disposing of one will potentially make a difference). I suspect it is the former, rather than the latter . . . but we just don't know much, at this point.
Thank you for your question. I look forward to potentially learning more!
Gail-
Thanks for your reply. The flatworm may not last until Mon. when I can take it to the extension office. What if I put it in some isopropyl rubbing alcohol?
Susanna
Thanks for your reply. The flatworm may not last until Mon. when I can take it to the extension office. What if I put it in some isopropyl rubbing alcohol?
Susanna
Isopropyl alcohol should work fine. Please tell the MGs to forward it to me (Gail Langellotto in the Hort department).
Thank you.
Gail
