Arthurdendyus+Triangulatus

= New Zealand Flatworm - //Arthurdendyus triangulatus// =

**Habitat**
 * Terrestrial - lives in soil**.**
 * It is currently found in the six counties of Northern Ireland and it known as an invasive species.
 * Description**
 * This worm is flat and its color may vary from grey to brown, with a pale yellow margin and underside covered by specks.

**Prey and Predators**
 * feeds on any species of earthworm
 * few predators such as Ground and Rove beetle adults as well as Birds but because of their habitat, they are rarely exposed to them. There has also been cases the maggots of a Tasmanian gnat parasites the flatworm.
 * Reproduction**
 * Reproduction is asexual by parthenogenesis, no mate required. A soft white sack swells from a temporary opening in the back of the worm near to the rear end. The white liquid content does not have any worm-like structures at first. The opening in the worm heals leaving a whitish scar for a short tim e.
 * When hatched it can be 5 mm in length but when it has matured it can reach up to approximately 170 millimeters (6.7 in)
 * Where is it originally from?**
 * New Zealand, it was transported to Northern Ireland during the sixties in plant potting soil.

**How does it eat?**
 * When feeding they seem to lie on top of the earthworm, (using their sticky mucus to hold on,) excrete digestive enzymes which liquidize the worm, and absorb the soup that results. They either wait for the worms to surface or follow their borrows and other channels in the soil. Although species of earthworm which stay near to the surface would appear to be more at risk, studies have shown that the flatworms prefer the larger species which live deeper down.

**Impact**
 * By out-competing the native earthworm the New Zealand Flatworm threatens terrestrial ecosystems. The native worm plays an important role in aerating soils, decomposing material and improving drainage for agricultural lands and gardens. The New Zealand flatworm has been shown to significantly reduce earthworm numbers. When the food supply decreases they shrink in size and can survive in this state for one or two years until the worms return.

Sources: ===//**[|////New Zealand Flatworm dsggardening////]**//===

[|Notice Nature - //New Zealand Flatworm//]