A FURTHER RECORD OF THE NEW-ZEALAND FLATWORM ARTIOPOSTHIA-TRIANGULATA (DENDY) IN ENGLAND

Studies have shown the New Zealand flatworm to be a predator of earthworms and to be widely distributed throughout most of Ireland and Scotland. Except for one record in 1965, it had not been found in England until, in December 1992, it was positively identified from a garden centre near Manchester. Viable and empty egg capsules were also found suggesting that it had reproduced and become established in that nursery. During 1993 other confirmed reports were received from Yorkshire and East Anglia, indicating that it may be able to survive and multiply across large areas of England.