Density of the New Zealand flatworm, a predator of earthworms, in allotments in Edinburgh between 1993 and 1995

Abstract

SummaryThe density of the New Zealand flatworm,Artioposthia triangulata, found between 1993 and 1995 on the surface of the soil under various types of debris scattered in four allotments, was 1–2 m−2. The type of debris did not markedly affect the density of the flatworm and the distribution of the flatworm within the allotment studied was significantly clustered. Fluctuation in numbers of specimens under different sets of compost‐filled plastic sacks varied in a similar manner to one another. The flatworm was most abundant in the upper 100 mm of soil and its egg capsules were most numerous between 100 and 200 mm below the surface. The flatworm was as abundant under the soil surface shelters as it was beneath shelters buried below the soil surface.