Two new species of invasive flatworms have been discovered in Sweden, according to the Swedish Museum of Natural History. One is the Asian hammerhead worm that can grow up to 40 centimeters long.
The hammerhead worm, with its hammer-shaped head, originates from Southeast Asia. It was discovered at the end of last year in a store in Karlstad among imported Mediterranean plants.
Researcher Chahinez Bouguerche at the Swedish Museum of Natural History says the worm is unpleasant to have in the garden. Chemicals from the skin can cause irritation in humans and reports from other countries mention cats vomiting after chewing on them.
Another species, the Australian Caenoplana variegata, has been found in Swedish nurseries. It produces sticky slime that sticks to cats and dogs, which are used as transport.
International trade in ornamental plants is the main spread route. Bouguerche stresses the importance of reporting finds to SLU's species database since the worms lack natural enemies in Sweden.
