Bipaliidae

/baɪˌpæliˈɪdiː/ noun

Definition

A family of land-dwelling flatworms characterized by a distinctive head shape and predatory behavior, found in warm regions worldwide.

Etymology

From the genus 'Bipalium' + '-idae' (taxonomic family suffix). This family name follows Linnaean nomenclature, created to classify a specific group of terrestrial planarians.

Kelly Says

Bipaliidae flatworms are invasive predators in many ecosystems—they can wrap themselves around earthworms and digest them externally in the soil, and they reproduce asexually so one worm can colonize an entire area.

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