Invasion of agricultural land by the earthworm predator, Arthurdendyus triangulatus (Dendy)The 7th international symposium on earthworm ecology · Cardiff · Wales · 2002

Abstract

The ‘New Zealand flatworm’ Arthurdendyus triangulatus is an invasive earthworm predator that is widespread in Northern Ireland. Although this species is most commonly reported from domestic gardens, it is spreading into agricultural grassland. In systematic surveys of grassland fields in Northern Ireland, flatworms were found in 4% (n = 75) in 1991 but 70% (n = 60) in 1998/99. Most flatworms were found under debris at the field margins but in 22% of fields (1998/99) flatworms were recovered from open pasture during formalin expulsion.