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Newly discovered invasive flatworm could pose risk to neighborhood ecosystems, scientists say
A newly discovered invasive flatworm has concerned scientists as they worry about the effects it could have on your backyards ecosystem.
Spider season is officially here, and while we now know how to deal with them, it doesnt make their presence any less horrifying. But while youre figuring out how to deal with your arachnid problem, you might consider learning about another critter who is stalking your backyard. Dont worry, its not the wasp that bursts from the bodies of other insects.
The invasive flatworm eats other invertebrates
Just a few days after a woman was nearly killed by a common plant in her backyard, scientists are growing concerned over the emergence of Amaga pseudobama, a flatworm found across multiple states.
In a study published in the PeerJ journal last week, researchers reported the discovery of Amaga pseudobama at several plant nurseries across several Southern States.
The sneaky worms’ presence was first discovered in 2020 when lead researcher Jean-Lou Justine and her team found it at a plant nursery in Kinston, North Carolina. Because Amaga pseudobama bears a striking resemblance to other invasive worms, they initially believed they had stumbled across Obama nungara. DNA analysis confirmed that it was, in fact, a new species.
Amaga pseudobama is a small, dark-brown flatworm with a thin stripe running down its back which is usually 19-28 millimeters in length.
It might be tiny, but its impact could be great
Though you might be more concerned with the zombie fungus or the many dangerous animals America has to offer, researchers have spoken of the untold destruction that Amaga pseudobama could wreak if left unchecked.
The flatworms primarily feed on soil-dwelling invertebrates like earthworms, slugs, and snails, but upon entering an ecosystem, they can upset the delicate balance and interrupt everything from plant growth to soil health.
Researchers found the presence of Amaga pseudobama in North Carolina, Florida, and Georgia, with citizens further reporting sightings in Texas and California. Wide distribution suggests that the invasion began over a decade ago, the scientists said.
