FlatwormWatch aims to elucidate which species of non-native terrestrial flatworms are already present in Belgium with the help of citizens. Non-native flatworms can have a large impact on biodiversity as they are voracious predators. As a participant of the project you will actively look for this hidden species group in different places such as you garden or greenhouse. We would like to thank you in advance to help us map this group of animals and protect our native soil fauna! Read here the full project description here
HOW TO PARTICIPATE
- Fill the online form, if you want to stay updated on the results or participate to a training session
- Read our Guide for FlatwormWatchers to:
- get some tips and tricks on how to find them
- Get acquainted with the potential species you could potentially come across
- Go on a flatworm search in your garden, greenhouse, recently acquired potted plants or terrarium
- Spotted a flatworm? Take a few pictures of the animal and encode your observations on waarnemingen.be via the links hereunder
- Spotted nothing? Try again another time, flatworms can be very shy
USEFUL TOOLS
Guide for FlatwormWatchers Identification Key
Encode your observations
If you have spotted a flatworm - and made sure it was not an earthworm or a slug - you can encode it directly via the species pages hereunder. You can enter your observation as Unknown flatworm or identify the flatworm yourself using this key and categorize your observation under the correct species. When entering your observation, attach a photo and fill in the required fields to give more details on your observation (appearance of the flatworm, description of the location where it was found).
By encoding your observations you agree with our privacy policy
I HAVE SEEN A FLATWORM BUT I CANNOT IDENTIFY IT
Unknown flatwormI HAVE SEEN A FLATWORM AND I HAVE IDENTIFIED IT
The most common non-native species:
Obama nungara
Caenoplana variegata
Bipalium kewense
Arthurdendyus triangulatus
Caenoplana coerulea
Caenoplana micholitzi
Diversibipalium multilineatum
Dolichoplana striata
Platydemus manokwari
Anisorhynchodemus sp.The three native species:
Microplana terrestris
Rhynchodemus sylvaticusLEARN MORE ON NON-NATIVE FLATWORMS
What are flatworms?
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Why do flatworms pose a risk?
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How to control flatwormS?
Prevention of Introduction
Prevention of dispersal
Management
Pictures credits: Robin Gwen Agarwal, Doug Beckers, Dustin, EIS Kenniscentrum Insecten, Pierre Gros, Thomas Irvine, Stephen James McWilliam, Jaime M. Simancas, Eduard Sola, Jan Soors, Shinji Sugiura, Tom Van den Neucker, Blaise Verrier