New Guinea Flatworm

Natural Habitat

Tropical and subtropical regions, often found in soil, under dead wood, or in leaf litter; has become highly invasive globally through the pot plant trade.

Diet & Feeding

Predatory; primarily feeds on land snails and earthworms, along with other soil invertebrates.

Behavior Patterns

Terrestrial and nocturnal; they track prey using chemical cues and wrap themselves around it or use a protrusible pharynx to digest the prey externally.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: Significant threat to biodiversity as an invasive species that decimate native snail and earthworm populations. They can also carry Angiostrongylus cantonensis (rat lungworm) which poses a health risk to humans if handled or accidentally ingested. Benefits: None in invasive territories.

Identified on: 6/11/2026