Acid-Coated, Brain-Bursting Alien Worms Invade Bangkok

I think this is worth posting if for no other reason than the Title ! For those who feel smug in places like America the worm was found in Miami, Florida in 2015... I have actually seen these critters (worms) but I am not someone who goes around picking them up.. There are alot of critters in Asia that are better left alone by your bare hand..

The species is listed by the Invasive Species Specialist Group as one of the world’s most invasive, because they pose a threat to the ecosystems by preying on the snails and earthworms that boost soil fertility and plant growth.

But that is not the only threat: Humans are warned to be alert too, since the New Guinea Flatworms can host a parasite known as the Rat Lungworm.

The good news: the lungworm is only transmitted between mollusks such as snails, slugs and rats. The bad news: the flatworm’s mucus and larvae can cause a severe type of meningitis. If the worm’s acidic goo contacts human skin, it can produce painful lesions. Its larvae – which can be infected with the parasitic lungworm – can be transmitted through contaminated water and cause fever, nausea, drowsiness, severe headaches and muscle pain.

www.khaosodenglish.com...

Brings to mind the ultra wicked predatory hammerhead flatworms:

so how do these critters stand up to nematodes?

a reply to: 727Sky

Acid-Coated, Brain-Bursting Alien Worms Invade Bangkok

Good for them. It's about time.

a reply to: 727Sky

Oh well ... who needs restful sleep anyway ... ? !!!

Thanks.

a reply to: IgnoranceIsntBlisss

You did not help !

a reply to: IgnoranceIsntBlisss

This Platyhelminthes probably evolved from the microscopic Platyhelminthes - Planaria



Well at least they look similar.

a reply to: 727Sky

The good news: the lungworm is only transmitted between mollusks such as snails, slugs and rats.

Take a look at that last one for a good laugh. Somebody needs to go back to biology class. Rats are not mollusks. Anywho, those sound so lovely. I had an image of a chest burster from Alien when I saw your title.

a reply to: 727Sky

Hey, maybe you found the explanation!!

ATS: Australian teen's feet, legs bloodied by mystery sea creatures.

Kid walks out into the surf in sand. It was washes over his feet but it has mollusks with your flatworm in them, he gets the acid bath, walks out and sees the blood, etc.

Unless it was mollusk rats of course!

a reply to: 727Sky

and the worms ate into his brain.

originally posted by: Skid Mark
a reply to: 727Sky

The good news: the lungworm is only transmitted between mollusks such as snails, slugs and rats.

Take a look at that last one for a good laugh. Somebody needs to go back to biology class. Rats are not mollusks. Anywho, those sound so lovely. I had an image of a chest burster from Alien when I saw your title.

Our family adopted a beagle who had been effectively abandoned by his French farmer owner in concrete shed in the edge of a field. Was there for several weeks living on nothing but snails. Ended up with heartworm and wasn't given more than three days to live. With care, he lasted for another year, running around and eating. But his digestive system was messed up.

a reply to: stormcell


Gosh that's a sad story! I love Beagles.