They are usually found in cool, dark, moist areas. It favors a moist habitat and is usually found near outdoor water faucets, or where the soil remains wet. They are carnivores and can be cannibalistic. They usually move and feed at night.
They belong to a very primitive class of animals. This land planarian is flat, slender and brown, with longitudinal stripes; it can be large, up to 10 inches in length. The head is shovel-shaped (wider than body) and there are numerous minute eyes along its edge. Some species eat only earthworms while others eat snails and slug.
Their bodies are very easily damaged. The flat worms will reproduce by division if cut or broken. Reproduction is principally by fragmentation at the posterior end. Lateral margins pinch in about 1 cm from the tail tip. Severance occurs when the posterior fragment adheres to the substrate and the parent worm pulls away. The posterior fragment is mobile immediately, and within seven to 10 days a lightly pigmented head begins to form.
They have been reported to be a pest in earthworm beds. There are no known forms of pest management. They are not known for spreading diseases.
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