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Project Noah Nature School
Bipalium kewense
This species of land planarian can reach a length of 20 cm, however this specimen was only 6.5 cm long. Although at first glance it appears to be dark in color, on closer examination one can see that the ground color is light brown or gray, including the head, with 5 longitudinal lines beginning behind a dark patch right behind the spade or arrow-shaped head. This dark patch distinguishes it from other similar planarians.
They were originally found in SE Asia but are considered an invasive species in most of the world. Bipalium kewense is found across the southern United States, this one being found near the foundation of a house in a city in SE Texas.
Planarians eat earthworms. You can see this one in “hot pursuit” of its next meal in foto #2.
Spotted on May 28, 2019
Submitted on Jul 7, 2019
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