Hammerhead worm, Bipalium Kewense preys on earthworms

Asian flatworm invades North America, may decimate earthworm population. Bipalium kewense is the scientific name of the hammerhead flatworm or land planarian that somewhat resembles a hammerhead shark. Hammerhead worms are not poisonous, they do not bite, and they cannot harm people or pets. However, these worms can be disastrous to gardeners and their crops because the hammerhead's favorite food is the gardener's best friend - earthworms. Ordinary earthworms are beneficial to gardens because they aerate and fertilize the soil. A severe infestation of hammerhead worms can quickly decimate a garden's earthworm population. Hammerhead worms can be as long as 20 inches, but most are about one inch long. They secrete thick mucus from the underside of their bodies that leaves a trail behind them as they travel. They may or may not have stripes and are usually shades of brown, black, gray, or orange. Hammerhead worms will regenerate new worms when cut into pieces, so it is not a good idea to try to kill a worm by squishing or smashing because you will only create more worms.