Common generic name for a genus of
land flatworms, with the generic name Bipalium and
listed in the family Geoplanidae, and otherwise known as land
planarians. The common name derives from its
crescent-shaped
head, whereas the name Bipalium is a compound of the Latin words bi,
meaning ‘two’, and pala, meaning ‘spade’. In Thai, members of this
genus are known as non hua khwaan (หนอนหัวขวาน),
i.e. ‘ax-headed worm’.
These slug-like creatures are predatory and
prey mostly on earthworms, or some on mollusks. Able to track their
prey, once captured, the Hammerhead Worm will use its muscles in
combination with a sticky secretions, to attach itself to the
earthworm to prevent it from escaping. Due to this, it is in
Thailand also nicknamed Sticky Worm. It feeds on its prey by
secreting enzymes that
will
liquefy the prey's
tissues, which
are
consequently sucked up. It is best observed from a
distance and not touched as some species are toxic,
having the very potent neurotoxin
tetrodotoxin.
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