'Strange Looking' Predatory Worm Found In Texas Backyard Can Carry Parasites

Platydemus Manokwari is a type of strange looking worm that a Texas woman found in her backyard. Through an online investigation, she came to know that it is New Guinea flatworm. The Texas Invasive Species Institute (TISI) also confirmed it later.

The woman, who lives at Pearland, described the species as a long, slimy, slender, black worm. She said it looks strange and she saw it eating snails.

The description of TISI is as below:

The New Guinea flatworm is a dark-brown predatory worm that was first discovered on the island New Guinea. As its name suggests, it is a flat, worm-looking invertebrate.

According to TISI, it is a potentially dangerous worm that can pose threat to humans as it carries parasites.

Here is how the woman described her experience of seeing the flatworm:

I have kids and we’re outside and we’re swimming and we’re barefooted, so I was like, 'Oh my goodness! Can we get this parasite from these worms?

The woman also said TISI urged her to get rid of the species as she sees them. However, she said it is not so easy to do so. “I can’t do that every time with hot boiling water! I mean, I just don’t feel like I’m going to get anywhere because I have so many of them. I just don’t know what to do about them anymore,” she told KHOU 11.

The woman urged the people in Texas to be alert. “Make sure that you are aware that these little critters might be in your yard, and make sure that your kids and your dogs aren’t possibly eating these,” she said.

So, here are a few things to know about the New Guinea flatworm:

1. The flatworm is relatively large in size: Its size ranges from 1.6 to 2.6 inches and it looks similar from both the ends. The only difference that can be spotted is the head size, which is narrower and has two eyespots. The upper side of the flatworm has a faint stripe while the underside is pale tan.

1. The flatworm is mostly found in the Southeastern region of United States: The presence of snails in the region makes it a great habitat for the flatworm. It is mostly found in Florida, Texas and Puerto Rico.
2. The flatworm is nocturnal and it has no known predators: The best way to get rid of it is by directly spraying a mixture of white vinegar and citrus oil on it. It is also believed to be susceptible to slug repellent and salt.
3. The flatworm is known to be a potential paratenic host: It is known to have the potential to carry parasites. So, experts have advised not to handle it with bare-hands. They have suggested the use of disposable forceps, a stick or latex gloves to get rid of it.
4. The flatworm is a known predator of snails: It can drain a snail completely with the help of its feeding tube that looks like a white pharynx. It is also known for climbing the trees while following its prey. Apart from snails, the flatworm also eats isopods and earthworms.