First occurrence of the European Terrestrial Flatworm, Microplana terrestris (Müller OF, 1773) (Platyhelminthes: Geoplanidae), in Maritime Canada

Abstract

The first Canadian Maritime occurrence of the European terrestrial flatworm, Microplana terrestris (Müller OF, 1773), is confirmed via genetic barcoding. Microplana terrestris was observed on the soil surface in a rural garden in Tantramar, Westmorland County, New Brunswick, in November 2021, 2022 and 2023. In addition to confirming identity, barcoding also confirmed M. terrestris diet at the site included earthworms, Aporrectodea sp., and the Common Amber Snail, Succinea putris Linnaeus, 1758. Future barcoding efforts should prove to be a useful approach to providing a more detailed understanding of diet in
M. terrestris and other terrestrial flatworms, and their impact on associated soil fauna. Further reporting of non-native terrestrial flatworms in Canada could perhaps be enhanced through citizen-based science monitoring. 

Key Words: Aporrectodea sp., citizen science, diet, flatworm, invasive species, Microplana, New Brunswick, Succinea putris