Flatworm Fiesta
In 2014, a giant discovery was made regarding the terrestrial planarians Bipalium adventitium and B. kewense . Tetrodotoxin, a highly potent neurotoxin, was recorded in these species. This marked the first instance of tetrodotoxin in terrestrial invertebrates, underscoring the potential danger these species pose. Tetrodotoxin had previously been found in many marine organisms, including the Blue-ringed octopus, and is named after its initial discovery in pufferfish species, which belong to the order Tetraodontiformes. The name of this order is due to the form of the beak, which looks like 4 (tetra), teeth (odont): Formes means shape. These worms, known as shovel-headed garden worms or hammerhead worms, are predators of other worm species, such as earthworms. A Bipalium worm. Specific species are identified by their distinctive coloration, which often features colored bands and blotches. The one pictured here (stolen from thoughtco.com) has a...