Blue Flatworm
Caenoplana coerulea
Like the divided flatworm, the blue flatworm is also a turbellarian with muscle underneath a single layer of skin. These flatworms, however, are terrestrial rather than aquatic. They live typically in the forests of Australia and New Zealand where it is moist. They take shelter when the conditions are too dry as they lack water-retaining mechanisms. This is why they are commonly found after it rains. Being predators, they prey on the smaller invertibrates on the forest floor.
An overturned blue flatworm reveals its blue skin.
This particular species is long and narrow, around 10 centimeters in length. They have a shiny black skin and typically have a contrast in head color. Their names are derived from their blue undersides. They also have a stripe running the length of their bellies.
They feed through a muscular and reversible pharynx located in
ventral side of the body. The pharynx is an extensible tube-like mouth, it bears a complex muscular coat that specializes as a grasping mechanism for feeding on other soft bodied invertebrates such as earthworms. All pharynxes are equipped with glandular secretions that externally digest and dissolve their prey.
Little else is known about these species due to the lack of interest in the animal. Yet, their specific habitat requirements make them good indicators of the conservation state of their environment.
They feed through a muscular and reversible pharynx located in
ventral side of the body. The pharynx is an extensible tube-like mouth, it bears a complex muscular coat that specializes as a grasping mechanism for feeding on other soft bodied invertebrates such as earthworms. All pharynxes are equipped with glandular secretions that externally digest and dissolve their prey.
Little else is known about these species due to the lack of interest in the animal. Yet, their specific habitat requirements make them good indicators of the conservation state of their environment.