Obama nungara

Obama Nungara

Overview

Overview Photo credit: Hugh Jones, Scientific Associate, Natural History Museum, London.

Obama nungara

Habitat:

Around freshwater rivers, lakes and wetlands
Areas of soft, sandy or muddy substrate
Also found in human disturbed areas, such as parks and gardens

Description:

10cm in length 1cm in width
Broad leaf-shaped body
Dark brown with black dorsal streaks
Colour ranges from very dark-mid brown with occasional pale midline
Ventral side is pale
Has many black eyes around the head and sides but are difficult to spot
Lays 5mm cocoons which are black and take a few weeks to hatch

Origin and Distribution:

Native to South Brazil and Argentina
Scattered distribution in the UK
Also found in Guernsey, Jersey, Belgium, France, Spain, Ireland, Italy, Portugal, Maderia and the Azores
Distribution is mainly linked to climate

Impacts:

Feeds on native earthworms, snails and other flatworms changing the biodiversity
Hard to get rid of so can easily spread

Is it found in Northern Ireland?

One report in Northern Ireland but they are found in Ireland

How could it get here?

Transported with goods in ships and vehicles
Main route of invasion is through the plant trade

You can help by reporting any sightings: @ the Centre for Environmental Data & Recording (CEDaR) - Or via the iRecord App.

Prevent Spread

Report all sightings
Do not bring this species into Northern Ireland
Inspect incoming consignments of plants
Don't accept plants from areas where the Obama flatworm is present, as this can aid their spread
Maintain good garden hygiene
Inspect your site for flatworms
Destroy immediately if you detect them (see flatworm control)

For further queries, you can contact the Invasive Non Native Species (INNS) Team in the Northern Ireland Environment Agency on 028 9056 9558 or Email: invasivespecies@daera-ni.gov.uk

Obama nungara

Obama Nungara

Overview

Invasive Species Northern Ireland