A terrible shot, but I want this photo in my project because I might not see another one again, since I won't be re-entering the primary forest where I had found it.
It's a terrestrial planarian, also called a flatworm. It belongs to a very primitive class of animals, and is native to Southeast Asia. (Other species of land planarians are native to Indo-China or have been introduced to other countries where they are considered an invasive pest.)
The head is the part that is shaped like a hammerhead. (Doesn't it look weird and cool!) This one was only 3cm (1.1in) long. Apparently, these flatworms can grow up to 50cm (20in). It's carnivorous and preys on earthworms but is harmless to people.
I came across this planarian as I was on a trail that ran into parts of primary forest in the nature reserve. I'm unlikely to return to it because I've discovered that, to take macro shots in primary forest, I really do need artificial lighting. It was dark, there was little sunlight coming through, because of the full ceiling canopy. From now on, I will stick to parks, open grasslands and secondary forest for my macro shots.
Beautiful capture of this amazing creature - I like the way you show us the creations of nature. And I will have that song in my head for the rest of the day :-)!
@skipt07 I have no idea. 8D Most of the pictures I've seen online are of land planarians with long stripes that run the length of their bodies. This one has stripes that run across. Also, some marine flatworms have fantastic colors! This site ( http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/worm/polycladida/polycladida.htm ) says this of marine flatworms: "Flatworms come in a bewildering variety of colours and patterns. Some of these colours are due to the colour of the prey they have eaten, showing through their gut. Those with bright colours that contrast with their surroundings probably serve as a warning of their distasteful nature."
I`m glad you did post it. It`s a very interesting creature with wonderful patterns and colors . Pic is n`t so bad at all and the information is excellent .
I had no idea that is what a flatworm looked like. Amazing. Again, Livia, thank you for all the information you always share. I always feel like I am learning so much. THANKS.
I love that you go chasing after these small creatures and are so enthusiastic about photographing them in their element. I enjoy reading all the info you provide.
I've never seen anything like it - but it's stunning! You've brought up some bad memories of high school biology labs that involved water planarians (dull uniform brown) and how they can 'duplicate' themselves, or at least rebuild themselves if , um, necessary. and in that 'um' lies a big shudder...
Fascinating photo of this worm - something we would never normally see and amazing head and stripes! Because they eat our earthworms they are invasive to our agriculture! Sorry, Livia, you should have stood on it afterwards! Ugh!
Very cool! You could get a ring light ..I would love to see some ore from this cool forest! Do not know hat they cost or if one is made for your camera though! Cool find! He looks big in the pic so glad you tell us the length.
Not a terrible shot at all....it's amazing. Never saw anything like this worm before. You have a good eye for finding the unusual that's for sure. Awesome detail & focus to go with the log textures.
A great, big, weird and wonderful "THANK YOU!" to everyone! I do like discovering strange new creatures. But being in a primary forest feels intimidating too. Thank you for your supportive words. They are a great motivating force for me.
This is so cool! I'm a biology teacher and I've only seen planaria that I've ordered from a catalog (we did a regeneration activity with them). And they were tiny (about .5cm long) and all dark grey. Nothing like this!
Great capture. You find the most fascinating things. I find myself living vicariously through your travels in photography. Have you ever thought of making a book of your adventures in photos? I'd buy it in a heartbeat. :)
FAV
excellent
Again, thank you!