In article , Phil L
writes
Bob Hobden wrote:
:: "Phil L" wrote after...
::: Howard wrote:
::::: I have been thro' the FAQ but to no avail. I found a creature
::::: that I have never seen before.
:::::
::::: I so wish I could post a pic, but I'm not equiped for that.
:::::
::::: It's is slug like, worm like, leech like. A dark olive green
::::: colour, maybe 2/3" long difficult to measure when it's curled.
:::::
::::: One end is worm like the other is fatter and flatter, blade like
::::: at times, clearly variable.
:::::
::::: I have it in a jar!
:::::
:::
::: In my experience, it's a leech, put it on your finger and see if
::: it starts sucking....don't worry about it not coming off as they
::: do, and they don't hurt neither.
:::
:::
:: Or maybe a New Zealand Flat Worm, I hope not for your sake.

Why? They don't seem to have had anywhere near the effect that was
feared, and in their home territory, european earthworms have colonised
quite happily.

:: http://biodiversity.uno.edu/~worms/artioposthia.html
:: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/2039580.stm
::
::

After checking Howard's IP address (Preston) this is a distinct possibility.
DEFRA says that they are most prevalent in S Scotland, N Irealnd and NW
England.

leeches are quit prevalent in Preston too ;-)

There's a page here with details of what to do:
http://www.defra.gov.uk/planth/pestnote/flat.htm

This page also has a picture of one of the leeches, so is quit useful
for identifying whether you have a flatworm or a leech


--
Kay
"Do not insult the crocodile until you have crossed the river"