Author Topic: Funny Looking Worm!! (Read 3484 times)

Blue Bird · « **on:** January 29, 2007, 20:00:51 »

Yesterday when I was digging a trench for my respberry canes I came across a large worm that seemed to have a flat head it was about 3 inch long and about as fat as a thin pencil (sorry but best description I can come up with) Any ideas or is it just a normal earth worm ??? ??? ???

nenerover · « **Reply #1 on:** January 29, 2007, 20:10:46 »

Hi Blue Bird,
I hope its not a New Zealand Flat Worm, I've heard some disturbing info about them.
Nenerover

Rose.mary · « **Reply #2 on:** January 29, 2007, 20:16:32 »

Sounds like a New Zealand Flatworm. Have a look on 'Pests and Deceases' there is a thread there about Dead Worms, and it takes in a type of worm that sounds like yours. I think you have to report them to somebody.

Rosemary

Deb P · « **Reply #3 on:** January 29, 2007, 20:28:00 »

Is this what you have?

louise stella · « **Reply #4 on:** January 29, 2007, 21:58:47 »

If you have these - inform the authorities - and then move!!

They are already in Northern Ireland and Scotland and you are not that far as the crow flies!!!

These are serious dudes!

Louise

jennym · « **Reply #5 on:** January 29, 2007, 23:13:34 »

Gardening Organic (HDRA) says no need to panic re flatworms:
The presence of New Zealand flatworms in well-maintained gardens does not seem to be quite such a disaster as first thought. In Northern Ireland, one organic smallholder has co-existed with this creature for about 12 years. He has managed to trap and destroy large numbers of flatworm. This has enabled his earthworm population to re-establish itself. Regular additions of large quantities of organic material have created such a healthy soil that a temporary reduction in earthworm population has been tolerable.

Heres the link:
http://www.organicgardening.org.uk/factsheets/pc21.php

Blue Bird · « **Reply #6 on:** January 30, 2007, 20:20:32 »

Thanks for all the information - Deb P thank goodness they do not look quite like that not pointed at the end and as flat Next one I find I will ask at the local nursery just to make sure

thanks again to all your responses

Merry Tiller · « **Reply #7 on:** January 30, 2007, 20:36:14 »

Probably a Lob Worm

Blue Bird · « **Reply #8 on:** January 30, 2007, 20:43:23 »

Now that is a new one on me - what is it ??? ???

Robert_Brenchley · « **Reply #9 on:** January 30, 2007, 22:01:28 »

The biggest sort of earthworm.

kenkew · « **Reply #10 on:** January 30, 2007, 23:00:36 »

I dug out a Fuscia bush one time and came across a worm well over a foot long. Lob? More than likely, but it's the only one I've ever come across......I put it back of course.

Blue Bird · « **Reply #11 on:** January 31, 2007, 09:02:18 »

looking at the worm think it is more likely to be the LOB - reaaly please it is not the NZ flatworm looked it up and it is a real problem if I had them !!

thnaks for all your help on this everyone :-*

Baccy Man · « **Reply #12 on:** January 31, 2007, 10:08:45 »

It definitely sounds like a lob worm there is a picture here if you want to confirm it. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Regenwurm1.jpg

Blue Bird · « **Reply #13 on:** January 31, 2007, 18:39:09 »

Thanks that is it !!!!!!!!!!!
but now come across another different worm today - do not believe it this one is about 1 1/2 inches long and an Orange colour and pointed at each end defiantly not the ZN flat worm as the ends are very pointed any ideas ! ??? ??? ???

Shirley · « **Reply #14 on:** January 31, 2007, 19:12:47 »

I have the NZ flat worm in my garden. It isn't necessary to report it - I think at one time you were asked to as they were collecting data, but it was a request rather than an order. I check under bin bags, bins, etc. which are near to the compost heap most days, then scoop up any NZ flat worms that I find and put them in salty water. I can also recognise the egg (yes, just one) which they lay. There is about 4-5 small worms per egg.

Robert_Brenchley · « **Reply #15 on:** January 31, 2007, 20:02:46 »

They're still asking for reports, though I'm not sure whether it's compulsory or not. How is your worm population?

Shirley · « **Reply #16 on:** February 01, 2007, 15:46:47 »

I certainly have worms in the front garden and the "compost worms" in the heap. I spoke to a guy about five years back at Gardening Scotland who was collecting data, took my name, address, etc. He did suggest I told the neighbours, which I did and not to pass on any plants dug directly out of the garden.

cornykev · « **Reply #17 on:** February 01, 2007, 15:59:17 »

Thats good news Bluebird, but the orange one sounds like the great poisonous orange worm from deepest Africa and should not be touched and reported straight away. :'( :'(

ONLY JOKING good luck. ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

Blue Bird · « **Reply #18 on:** February 01, 2007, 17:54:42 »

thanks cornykev :D :D :D

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Author Topic: Funny Looking Worm!! (Read 3484 times)