![]() ![]() The head is elongated, with two prominent black eyes and the mouth is in the middle of the belly. Very flat, it measures 50 mm long and 5 mm wide, the back is a black olive colour with a clear central stripe, and it has a pale white belly. Platydemus manokwari, the New Guinea flatworm, consumes land snails and thus endangers endemic species. This is the only land planarian in the '100 worst invasive alien species' list and it has now been found in additional localities including islands in the Pacific area, Puerto Rico, the first record in the Caribbean, and the first report in mainland U.S., in Florida. ![]() The land planarian Platydemus manokwari, or New Guinea flatworm, is a highly invasive species, already reported in many territories in the Pacific area, and as well as in France. The most immediate risk in caring for a pet flatworm would be desiccation or accidental injury their skin is VERY fragile and special care must be taken while relocating them.Image: Platydemus manokwari in Coral Gables, Fla. I have observed the flatworms in my own terraria swarming dead isopods, roaches, and fish flakes. Prey would largely consist of appropriately-sized live worms and snails- however, many species of flatworms are also scavengers and it would not surprise me if yours also accepted nonliving food. This is an optional addition to their enclosure and may decrease your ability to observe your flatworm considerably Most species are quite averse to light and prefer to stay hidden when they are not hunting. I think that this is a great idea! I cannot speak for New Guinea flatworms specifically, but in my experience flatworms seem to enjoy resting beneath or within the crevices of decomposing wood, seed pods, mosses, etc, and so may benefit from shelter of that sort. ![]()
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