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Hammerhead Worm (Bipalium)

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Description

Taken at night in Singapore forest.

Quote en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bipalium
Bipalium is a genus of large predatory land flatworms, terrestrial planarians. They are often loosely called "hammerhead worms" or "broadhead planarians" because of the distinctive shape of their head region. Land planarians are unique in that they possess a "creeping sole" on their ventral side.[2] Several species are considered as invasive to the United States[3] and to Europe.[4] Some studies have begun the investigation of the evolutionary ecology of these invasive planarians.

Bipalium species are predatory. Some species prey on earthworms, while others feed on mollusks.[6][7] It has been shown that the flatworms can track their prey.[8] When captured, earthworms will begin to react to the attack, but a flatworm uses the muscles in its body as well as sticky secretions to attach itself to the earthworm to prevent escape. Several studies have indicated that the planarians will cover, or cap the prostomium, peristomium and anterior end to end the violent reaction by the earthworm.[9] To feed on its prey, a flatworm extends its pharynx out from its mouth on the mid-ventral portion of its body and secretes enzymes that begin digestion of the earthworm external to the flatworm. The liquefied earthworm tissues are sucked into the branching gut of the flatworm by ciliary action.

Reproduction in Bipalium may be asexual or sexual and all species are hermaphroditic. B. adventitium reproduces sexually and creates egg capsules, which hatch around 3 weeks post-deposition. The egg capsules have a tough exterior and generally contain multiple juveniles.[5] B. kewense have rarely been observed using egg capsules as a primary method of reproduction. Asexual fragmentation is the main reproductive strategy in B. kewense in temperate regions.[11] Juveniles of this species, unlike B. adventitium, do not appear the same coloration as parents in their early days.
Image size
960x640px 548.3 KB
Make
Canon
Model
Canon EOS 5D Mark II
Shutter Speed
1/160 second
Aperture
F/16.0
Focal Length
100 mm
ISO Speed
200
Date Taken
Nov 29, 2013, 11:46:41 PM
Sensor Size
6mm
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Comments155
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A-Gaming-Fox22's avatar

that's giratina....