Some species are generalist predators that feed on any soft-bodied organism, while others have a narrower range of prey (e.g., worm specialists or mollusc specialists). Land planaria are predatory on soft-bodied invertebrates, including earthworms and other annelid worms, molluscs such as snails and slugs, isopods, and insects. On rainy days or cool, damp mornings land planarians may be found in areas that are typically too dry to inhabit, such as along sidewalks. Such habitats include under rocks, logs, and other debris on the ground, in plant pots and mulch, under bushes and dense shrubs that help retain moisture in the soil, and along stream banks. While some terrestrial flatworms have adapted to live in drier environments, most, including the species present in North America, require moist habitats. Nine species have been found or are likely to occur outdoors in Pennsylvania other speices might be found in heated, indoor spaces such as greenhouses. At least fifteen species occur in eastern North America, 2–4 of which are native, with the rest being introduced from elsewhere. Land planaria are most common and diverse in tropical regions worldwide but are also found in temperate areas.

Some species have distinctive half-moon or crescent-shaped heads, while others have pointed heads.

Elsewhere in the world, land planaria can be brightly colored, including reds, pinks, greens, and blues, as well as having stripes and other striking color patterns. Species in North America are typically yellow or orange with dark stripes to dark brown or black. Land planaria, which are also called terrestrial flatworms (and some of which are called hammerhead worms), are flattened, small to large worm-like animals that live in moist, terrestrial environments. Order: Tricladida (planaria, free-living flatwoms)įamily: Geoplanidae (land planaria, terrestrial flatworms) General information Description Common names: land planaria, terrestrial flatworm, hammerhead flatworms ( Bipalium species only)

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