Mollusc-eating Hammerhead Worm

Appearance

Bipalium vagum is characterized by two dark dorsal blotches on the head, a thick black band around the neck and three dark dorsal stripes.

Food

Bipalium species are predatory. Some species prey on earthworms, while others may also feed on mollusks. It has been shown that these flatworms can track their prey. 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 stop the violent reaction by the earthworm.

To feed on their prey, species of Bipalium often evert their pharynx from their mouth, located on the mid-ventral portion of the body, and secrete enzymes that begin the digestion of the prey. The liquefied tissues are sucked into the branching gut of the flatworm by ciliary action