A new species of alien land flatworm in the Southern United States
A new species of flatworm has been discovered and has already invaded several states in the southern United States. The particularity of the new species is that it looks a lot like Obama nungara, a species that has invaded much of Europe. The new species has been named Amaga pseudobama in reference to this resemblance.
In the Press
New species of invasive flatworm discovered in three southern US states
The Guardian
New Predatory Flatworm Discovered in Southeastern United States
New Species of Predatory Flatworm Invading Southern United States
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New invasive flatworm species discovered in the U.S. by international research team
Polskieradio
Three US States Invaded by New Species of Flatworm
Newsweek
New species of flatworm discovered in the United States
Phys.org
“This research must be placed in the context of invasive species. Often, these species proliferate in the country where they were introduced, while they are unknown in their country of origin. This is the case of Amaga pseudobama: we think that the species comes from South America, but it has never been found there, and we do not know which country it comes from.“
Prof. Jean-Lou Justine (Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle)
For All Readers - AI Explainer
What is the newly discovered species of flatworm, and where was it found?
A new species of flatworm called Amaga pseudobama was discovered in plant nurseries in North Carolina, USA, in 2020. It has also been found in other locations in the southeastern U.S., including Georgia and Florida.
Why was this flatworm initially mistaken for another species?
At first, scientists thought the flatworm was Obama nungara, a South American species that has spread to Europe, because of its similar appearance. However, genetic testing showed that it was an entirely different species.
How was Amaga pseudobama confirmed as a new species?
Molecular analysis, combined with a detailed anatomical study, confirmed that the flatworm belongs to the genus Amaga and is different from Obama nungara. The species was officially named Amaga pseudobama.
How widespread is Amaga pseudobama in the U.S.?
Amaga pseudobama has been found in several locations across the southeastern U.S., including North Carolina, Georgia, and Florida. It’s likely that this species has been present for over a decade and may have spread to other states.
What makes Amaga pseudobama different from other flatworms?
Besides genetic differences, Amaga pseudobama has a unique internal structure, particularly in its reproductive system, which sets it apart from other species like Obama nungara. Its mitochondrial genome also provides important information about its evolution.
Why is it important to monitor Amaga pseudobama?
Amaga pseudobama could become an invasive species in the U.S., similar to Obama nungara. Its resemblance to other flatworms can make it hard to identify, so genetic tools and careful monitoring are essential to track its spread and potential impact.
What does this discovery teach us about invasive species?
The discovery of Amaga pseudobama shows how new invasive species can emerge in areas that were previously free of large land flatworms. It highlights the importance of scientific research and citizen science in identifying and monitoring these species before they cause ecological damage.
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