Dendrocoelum lacteum

Description

This flatworm can be over 2cm in length and is very sticky due to the mucus it produces to help it glide and also to put off potential predators. It is milky white with its gut a more dense white.

Identification difficulty
Habitat

Almost anywhere there is water particularly in lakes and rivers.

When to see it

All year round.

Life History

Mainly predatory on crustacea, especially Water Hoglouse, but also on other species.

UK Status

Widespread in most of Britain

Leicestershire & Rutland Map

MAP KEY:

Yellow squares = NBN records (all known data)
Coloured circles = NatureSpot records: 2020+ | 2015-2019 | pre-2015

UK Map

Species profile

Species group:
Worms
Kingdom:
Animalia
Order:
Seriata
Family:
Dendrocoelidae
Records on NatureSpot:
4
First record:
20/03/2009 (Nicholls, David)
Last record:
24/02/2023 (Nicholls, David)

Total records by month

% of records within its species group

10km squares with records

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