Flatworm Mystery Solved (perhaps)

After an absence of up to four months, flatworms, betrayed by their glistening mucus, appeared in dribs and drabs in early November. Over a week I collected seven New Zealand flatworms (Arthurdendyus triangulatus). The plastic basins resting on mossy tarmac under which these sought refuge also yielded one Australian flatworm, (Australoplana sanguinea), which resembled the New Zealand flatworms but was the colour of apricots.

To the best of my knowledge, this is the first Australian flatworm I have seen. On the Habitas Alien Invasive Species website it is stated that these animals are normally dispersed through the horticultural trade. Around the time I noticed both species of flatworm, winter-flowering plants were appearing in a local supermarket and I bought (in dribs and drabs) eight very pretty potted cyclamens. These had been obtained in the fruit and vegetable market in Belfast and originated in Northern Ireland, I was told.