Reader TTS

Planarians are typically not known for their ability to spread to new territories but have been surprisingly popping up all over the world outside of their native habitats. Invasive

flatworms have so far been reported in vast numbers in the Pacific, Singapore, Florida and now France. And some species of planarians have already been reported in France in the past, such

as the New Guinea flatworm Platydemus manokwari. But Dr Justine’s study concentrated on the “giant species” of planarians which have been spotted in the Caribbean, South America and Indian 

Ocean. According to the study, planarians are dispersed across borders through the transport of plants. The paper said: “We consider that the major finding of this paper is that several

species of hammerhead flatworms are established in a European country, France, probably for more than 20 years. “This highlights an unexpected blind spot of scientists and authorities facing

an invasion by conspicuous large invasive animals.” Photographic and telephone testimonies from so-called citizen scientists helped Dr Justine and his team come to this conclusion. And in

some cases, people sent in live or alcohol-preserved specimens for further study. Live flatworms were treated in hot water and persevered in a bath of 95 percent strong Ethanol or a four

percent formaldehyde solution. The worms were then analysed on the molecular level to determine whether they were identical to their distant relatives. The study concluded: “We presented

evidence that several species are spreading and that at least one of them is a predator of earthworms, which are important constituents of the soil fauna. “We also demonstrated that 

bipaliines correspond well with the definition of ‘Invasive Alien Species’ in the European scientific and legal documents, but we recognise that a precise assessment of their impact on the

local biodiversity is needed – but is outside the scope of this paper.”