New Flatworm Species Discovered: A Mysterious Invader in US

Discovery and Identification

• New flatworm species found in North Carolina in 2020
• Initially misidentified as Obama nungara, a South American species
• Molecular and htological analysis revealed it as a new species
• Named Amaga pseudobama due to its resemblance to Obama nungara
• Brownish-black in color and just under an inch long
• First discovered in a commercial nursery, later found in residential landscapes
• International team of researchers involved in the identification process

Distribution and Spread

• Confirmed presence in North Carolina and Florida
• Samples from Florida dated back to 2015
• Potentially present in Georgia and other southeastern states
• Initial North Carolina samples found in plants shipped from Georgia
• Exact distribution and establishment unclear due to limited observations
• Resemblance to Obama nungara may hinder accurate identification through citizen science

Ecological Implications and Concerns

• Terrestrial predatory flatworm, unusual for temperate regions like North Carolina
• Preys on soft-bodied organisms such as earthworms and slugs
• Potential threat to native ecosystems and soil fauna
• Concerns about toxicity and possibility of carrying parasites
• Unknown impact on local biodiversity and ecological balance
• Joins other invasive flatworm species in the Southern United States

Research Challenges and Future Studies

• Limited knowledge about Amaga pseudobama's behavior and ecology
• No observations in its native habitat or wild environments
• Unclear origin, possibly from South America like related species
• Need for further research to understand:
  • Precise prey preferences
  • Reproductive rate and patterns
  • Potential risks to native species and ecosystems
• Importance of clearly identifying and naming new species for future studies
• Molecular studies including complete mitogenome description conducted