The impact of the New
Zealand flatworm on earthworm populations
Dr D. Cosens
Artioposthia
triangulata, the
New Zealand flatworm, has been at large in the gardens and allotments of
Scotland for some 30 years. As a predator of earthworms it could present a
major environmental problem. Yet its impact upon earthworm populations is not
clear: in some areas populations of earthworms and the flatworm appear to be in
equilibrium; in others earthworm populations appear to be dramatically reduced.
The project would examine, using chaetae, which of the earthworm species are at
greatest risk; and seek also to explain why. It would also address the current
diversity of earthworm species to establish a genetic bank.
Lillico S, Cosens D &
Gibson P (1996) Studies on the behaviour of Artioposthia triangulata (Platyhelminths;
Tricladida), a predator of earthworms. Journal of Zoology, London, 238,
513-520.
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