Unlike earthworms and leeches, flatworm bodies are not segmented, and they can be separated from slugs by the lack of tentacles and completely smooth bodies. This species must not intentionally be brought into the Union kept bred transported to, from or within the United Kingdom, unless for the transportation to facilities in the context of eradication placed on the market used or exchanged permitted to reproduce, grown or cultivated or released into the environment.Land flatworms have smooth bodies covered in mucus and range in shape from flattened to cylindrical.Click here or on the image below to watch a short video about the New Zealand flatwormĬurrent Legislative Position (Listed on 14 August 2019).Tips to help prevent their introduction and establishment in your garden.Inspect incoming consignments of plants.You can help by reporting any sightings: the Centre for Environmental Data & Recording (CEDaR) - Or via the iRecord App. More distribution information can be found at NBN Atlas NI.

It is currently known from all 6 counties in Northern Ireland where it is generally concentrated around built up urban areas such as Belfast. The New Zealand Flatworm was introduced to Northern Ireland in the early 60’s.It is believed that this species arrived in Ireland by contamination of plant potting soil from New Zealand.The New Zealand flatworm has been shown to significantly reduce earthworm numbers from both agricultural lands and gardens in Ireland.They are responsible for aerating the soil and decomposing plant material while also regulating drainage to some extent by creating burrows. Earthworms form a pivotal function in terrestrial ecosystems in Ireland.triangulatus originates from New Zealand however other species of predatory flatworms originate from Australia and elsewhere.

New guinea flat worms