Caenoplana variegata

5 to15 cm long or even more, 2 to 5 mm wide; dorsal yellow mid-line with two narrow brown lines; lateral very dark brown, almost black, but variable; ventral pale, with even paler mid-line; long and thin, almost quadrangular in cross-section when crawling. Numerous small eyes (small black spots, difficult to see) round the anterior end and laterally.

May be identifiable from good photographs, but expert confirmation may be necessary.

Moist locations.

All year round.

Feeds on almost any arthropod such as woodlice, insects and spiders. They do not touch earthworms, even damaged ones. Reproduces mostly by fission. Small pieces 1 to 2 cm long break off and each regenerates into a larger worm. Most specimens are immature, but some sexually mature specimens have been found.

First found in the UK in 2008, since found in several UK locations.

Rarely recorded in Leicestershire and Rutland.