As if Asian giant hornets weren’t enough, this year also saw media attention on a lesser-known, but bizarre, group of animals: terrestrial flatworms & hammerhead worms.

Although alien-looking and often off-putting, these worms are a natural part of many ecosystems. While some species are native to North Carolina, others are foreign in origin, having been transported here through human endeavors over the years.

We summarized relevant information in a new fact sheet, but the following points can be used for quick reference:

• Though not usually noticed by the public, at least five species of hammerhead worms have been in North Carolina for many years or even decades. The pattern of stripes can be helpful to identify species, though all have a similar biology.

• Hammerhead species are not the only flatworms; many are wide in middle and pointed at the head and posterior ends. These species are often black, blue, brown or gray in color.

• Flatworms are generalist predators, though some have more specific tastes. They hunt down soft-bodied prey like earthworms, snails, slugs, and small arthropods like sowbugs, spiders, and insects. Flatworms wrap around their prey and digest it on the underside of their body where their mouth is located.
• Reproduction can happen through sexual means (though they are hermaphrodites), but very often flatworms reproduce asexually by physically splitting to form new worms. This also means that worms that are cut up can grow back to become multiple new worms.
• Flatworms require moist habitats to survive. Wet weather may promote their populations, perhaps the reason why many have been seen this year.
• There is a concern that these worms pose an issue to native invertebrates by preying on them. While this may be true in some areas where they are newly introduced, it is likely not the case here in North Carolina as several species have been established for many decades, and are now part of the ecosystem (for better or worse).
• Although generally harmless, some flatworms can carry rat lungworms, a parasite that can infect people only if the worm is eaten. It’s also been discovered that some species of Bipalium produce tetrodotoxins in their mucus. Some people are even sensitive to the mucus on its own. Due to these concerns it’s always best to minimize handling these worms, though if handled it’s recommended to not touch eyes and mouths, and wash hands thoroughly afterward.

Terrestrial flatworms and hammerhead worms may seem strange and worrisome, but overall they are a part of our state’s ecosystem, whether they were invited or not. To that point, many find their way here through movement of soil and plant materials, so be aware of flatworms when purchasing plants and other garden items. If you find any suspicious worms in items, especially ones notably different from those described in the fact sheet, it’s best to contact the NC State Plant Disease and Insect Clinic so we can be made aware of their presence in the state.