“What is this?” asks this reader about the black organism in the screenshot below. The creature was found next to our reader’s car by dog excrement.

The picture above was taken from a video our reader sent in (see below) in which one can see the black worm making its way across wet pavement, its black skin is also glossy, and even slimy-looking. We urge our other readers to check out the video, as one can see the distinct style with which the worm moves. Like an earthworm, it compresses its body and then extends it to move across the ground at a rather impressive pace.

Given the way it moves and the look of its body, we suppose this might be a flatworm, though we should note that we are not entirely confident in this identification. Flatworms are predatory worms that live across all types of terrains. As such, there are many, many species of flatworms.

One of the more noteworthy qualities of the flatworm is that it is able to regrow parts that are cut off. No matter how one splits a flatworm, and no matter how many pieces one splits it into, those parts will eventually mature into individual, fully-grown flatworms. Either way, what is important to note is that one should use caution if and when handling flatworms; they secrete a fluid which can cause irritation and/or stinging to the skin.

Alternatively, we thought this might be a leech. Leeches are external parasites that feed on the blood of its hosts. They tend to live in freshwater bodies of water, though there are species that are able to survive in saltwater. It is the coloration of the worm, as well as its movement, that has us thinking this may be a leech. Of course, the fact that it is on land is somewhat unusual, though many species of leeches can survive on land as well, even without a host. Additionally, the fact that the climate seems to be moist would prevent the leech from drying out. Just as with the flatworm, our reader should avoid touching this leech, as it may cause her harm if it decides to attach itself to her body and begin feeding.

In conclusion, we are not entirely sure what the worm that our reader found is. It may be a flatworm, a leech, or something else entirely. In any case, we advise that if she wants to move the worm, that she does so using a dustpan and wearing gardening gloves and a long-sleeved shirt. She should avoid touching the worm at all costs. Although we were not able to identify the worm, we hope that this helps, and we wish her the very best!

Summary

Article Name

Black Worm Found by Dog Excrement May Be a Flatworm or a Leech

Description

"What is this?" asks this reader about the black organism in the screenshot below. The creature was found next to our reader's car by dog excrement.

Author

Worm Researcher Anton