First observed interaction between the New Guinea flatworm (Tricladida: Geoplanidae) and the pine rockland trapdoor spider (Araneae: Halonoproctidae) in Miami, Florida

Florida Entomologist 2026 Open access

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Authors: Tiffany Moore, Jennifer Villate
DOI: 10.1515/flaent-2025-0047
Cited by: 1
References: 7

Abstract

Abstract The invasive New Guinea flatworm ( Platydemus manokwari de Beauchamp; Tricladida: Geoplanidae), first recorded on the U.S. mainland in 2012, has rapidly expanded in Miami-Dade County, Florida. To date, no natural predators have been documented. Game camera footage from the pine rockland habitat at Zoo Miami captured a pine rockland trapdoor spider ( Ummidia richmond Godwin & Bond; Araneae: Halonoproctidae) attacking and bisecting a New Guinea flatworm, representing the first recorded instance of possible predation on this invasive flatworm in its invaded range. This observation highlights the need for better understanding of the biology and potential dietary habits of the pine rockland trapdoor spider.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Planarian Biology and Electrostimulation Subterranean biodiversity and taxonomy Orthoptera Research and Taxonomy

Publication details

Journal / source
Florida Entomologist
Publisher
Walter de Gruyter GmbH
Volume
109
Issue
1
Publication date
1 January 2026
Language
EN