The New Guinea flatworm is covered in a slime that can cause allergic reactions, consumes native snails and is a carrier for rat lungworm. Photo: TNS
It has a goo-spewing mouth on its belly, is covered in toxic slime, hosts a brain-eating parasite and, like any ambitious mutant monster, the New Guinea flatworm is invading the United States by way of sunny Miami. There’s also this: the worm is hermaphroditic, so it can multiply anywhere, anytime. No assistance needed.
Researchers recently confirmed for the first time that the Pacific island flatworm has been found on the US mainland in four locations in Miami. The nocturnal creeper clocks in at just 5cm, looking more like a smudge of snot than an agile predator. But don’t be fooled by its sluggish demeanour. At mealtime, the worm goes full-on Alien, posing a potentially serious threat to South Florida’s already fragile native snail population.
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