Zut alors! What is this flatworm in my escargot?


Voracious feeder: The invasive New Guinea flatworm (Platydemus manokwari) has a huge appetite for snails. ¿ Photo from AFP

An invasive species of flatworms from South-East Asia is threatening to decimate a European culinary delicacy.

Snails, one of France’s signature dishes, could be off the menu if the country fails to stem an invasion by a slimy worm from South-East Asia. The warning is being sounded over a voracious species called the New Guinea flatworm. It is already on a list of the 100 most dangerous invasive species in the world as it has a relentless appetite for native snails and earthworms in places where it has been introduced.

The Star Christmas Special Promo: Save 35% OFF Yearly. T&C applies.

Monthly Plan

RM 13.90/month

Best Value

Annual Plan

RM 12.33/month

RM 8.02/month

Billed as RM 96.20 for the 1st year, RM 148 thereafter.

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!

Next In Environment

Ecowatch: COP30 2025, by the numbers
Planetary Health Matters: A call to heal the planet with a bold vision
Ecowatch: How people are saving the world
Planetary Health Matters: The planet is at a tipping point
Elections and their big, bad ‘ungreen’ footprint
Ecowatch: Are we still gulping down oil?
Ecowatch: Why global talks matter
Ecowatch: Making room for the COP30 climate talks
Ecowatch: Managing the monster that's plastics pollution
Asean’s house is burning – this is what we need to put out the flames

Others Also Read