New Guinea Flatworm

University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Master Gardener Hotline Palm Beach County Cooperative Extension Service Department 561.233.1750 559 N. Military Trail, West Palm Beach, FL 33415

July 6, 2015 The New Guinea flatworm detected in south Florida

New Guinea flatworm Researchers have confirmed to survive in a variety of A study by S. Sugiura in south Florida findings of one habitats including; agricul- 2008 determined that the wa-  Platydemus of the “World’s Worst Inva- tural and coastal areas, natu- ter temperature used to kill manokwari sive Alien Species.” The New ral forests, urban areas, wet- the flatworms (=43OC) was Guinea flatworm lands, and like areas of high equal to the temperature  Dark brown to black with a grey belly (Platydemus manokwari) has humidity. needed to kill earthworms been detected in several es- (=43OC) but less than that  Consumes snails, tablished locations around P. manokwari is hermaphro- required to kill snails O O slugs and other inver- Miami metro area and Coral ditic and can reproduce with- (=50 C) and ants (=47 C). tebrates Gables. The discovery is the out a partner. first time the Pacific-island-  Adults = 40 -65 mm DO NOT TOUCH with your based pest has been found in long and 4-7 mm wide Area growers: are encouraged bare hands, the worms pro- the U.S. to be on alert for this pest duce toxic chemicals and  Detected in several because it can readily be might induce allergic reac- areas of Miami-Dade These dark brown to near tions. It also known to carry County transported and dispersed via black worms with a grey infested garden soil, plants, rat lungworm, a parasite that  Most likely to be belly consume snails, slugs, and plant parts. Translocation can cause a form of meningi- found in high humid- and other subterranean inver- via contaminated equipment tis in humans and animals. ity leaf litter in and tebrates. They nocturnal can also help spread the pest. around gardens predators with no local natu- If you encounter one of these ral enemy. As an adult, these Hot water treatment to de- worms, take photos of it and  Similar looking worms range from 40 mm to worms locally exist stroy pests has been used report your encounter to the 65 mm long and 4 mm to 7 during the quarantine of orna- Florida Fish and Wildlife mm wide. mental plants in previous Conservation Commission by tests conducted overseas. phone: 888-483-4681 or DO NOT TOUCH P. manokwari is often found online at IveGot1.org. in leaf litter in and is known  Handling with bare hands may induce allergic reactions

 Take photos if inva- The New Guinea flatworm sive flatworm is ob- served

 Send and report invasive flatworm photos to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conserva- tion Commission

 FFWCC Invasive Hotline: 888-483- 4681 New Guinea flatworms can The New Guinea flatworm Platydemus manokwari in  FFWCC online at reach lengths of 2.5 inches, consuming a snail, Photo by Coral Springs. Photo by IveGot1.org Photo by Claire Goiran. Jean-Lou Justine. Makiri Sei.

Author: Christian Miller DPM, Fruits and Vegetable Agent II [email protected] or 561-233-1719 Invasive Alert: Page 2

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Microsoft Publisher includes This story can fit 75-125 words. thousands of clip art images Selecting pictures or graphics is from which you can choose and an important part of adding import into your newsletter. content to your newsletter. There are also several tools you can use to draw shapes and Think about your article and ask symbols. yourself if the picture supports Caption de- or enhances the message Once you have chosen an im- scribing pic- you’re trying to convey. Avoid age, place it close to the article. ture or graphic. selecting images that appear to Be sure to place the caption of be out of context. the image near the image. Palm Beach County This would be a good place to insert a short paragraph about your organization. It might include the purpose of Primary Business Address the organization, its mission, founding date, and a brief Your Address Line 2 history. You could also include a brief list of the types of Your Address Line 3 Your Address Line 4 products, services, or programs your organization offers, the geographic area covered (for example, west- Phone: 555-555-5555 Fax: 555-555-5555 ern U.S. or European markets), and a profile of the E-mail: [email protected] types of customers or members served. It would also be useful to include a contact name for readers who want more information about the organi- Your business tag line here. zation.

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