Origin
Bipalium kewense is native to Southeast Asia. Hammerhead flatworm were likely introduced to the United States with horticultural plants.

Life Cycle
Named after the half-moon shaped head, Hammerhead flatworms are typically light in coloration. B. kewense have 1-5 dark dorsal stripes and be 12 in. (30 cm) in length and 0.1-0.2 in. (0.2-0.5 cm) in width. B. kewense are hermaphroditic. Hammerhead flatworm reproduction is primarily achieved through fragmentation. B. kewense prey on earthworms.

Distribution
There are known B. kewense populations in California, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Texas. Potential populations occur in Arizona, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire.

Control Efforts
B. kewense threatens native earthworms.

http://www.tsusinvasives.org/home/database/bipalium-kewense
 

Resources

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• Hammerhead worms Fact Sheet - Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health
• Hammerhead worms PowerPoint - Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health

Selected Images

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Maps

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References

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Common Name Reference: USDA, NRCS. 2010. The PLANTS Database. National Plant Data Center, Baton Rouge, LA, USA.

Scientific Name Reference: USDA, NRCS. 2010. The PLANTS Database. National Plant Data Center, Baton Rouge, LA, USA.