What is thiss?
Spotted this long worm with a flat, shovel-shaped head sliding across the patio stones, and honestly, it looked more like something from a sci-fi movie than a real backyard creature. If you’ve seen one too, you’ve likely encountered a hammerhead worm — one of the strangest invasive species now appearing in gardens and yards around the world.
With its bizarre shape, glossy body, and unusual movement, the hammerhead worm has become increasingly common in many regions. But while it may look fascinating, this creature can also pose a real threat to local ecosystems.
What Exactly Is a Hammerhead Worm?
Hammerhead worms are terrestrial flatworms belonging to the genus Bipalium. Their name comes from the wide, flattened head that resembles the shape of a hammerhead shark. Most grow between 8 and 12 inches long, though some species can become even larger.
Their bodies are slimy, flat, and ribbon-like, usually brown, gray, or tan with dark stripes running down the back. Unlike ordinary earthworms, these worms are predators.
