By Seaburngirl
East Yorkshire,
United Kingdom 
Any one found these before?
I was sorting pots the other day, checking the roots etc for vine weevil and slug's eggs. I came across some dead slugs and this critter.
I knew it was a flat worm and not the New Zealand one. So I have sent photos off to see if I can get an id for it.
The best I can get to is Microplana scharffi, a British native flat worm that feeds on slugs and worms in the soil. So more of a friend than a foe.
The woodlouse is a large one at just over 1cm. The flat worm when extended was 7.8cm. I was just able to see 2 small black eyes using a strong magnifying glass. Sadly not visible in the photo.
I have sent its picture of to the Nat History museum to see if they can get a better id for it.
29 Jan, 2020
Answers
That's good to know that you agree with my id. I must say I was interested to find out what it was. I was just pleased it wasn't the New Zealand or Australian flatworms.
29 Jan, 2020
Yes, these invaders are bad news aren't they, Derek.
29 Jan, 2020
Is it possible that what you have found is a leech? I believe that I have seen them hiding under pots in a damp environment on a few occasions.
30 Jan, 2020
no its not a leech as it does have terminal suckers and its movement isn't consistent with a leech. I do find some leeches in the garden and in the pond.
30 Jan, 2020
Wow! Isn't that interesting? I hope you will keep us updated if you get a reply.
31 Jan, 2020
Oh dear. May I digress from the thread for a minute and share an experience? So glad it isn't a leech because leeches give me the real horrors and just the mention of them reminds me... I once washed some pondweed from the village pond before adding it to our new garden pond, and it was alive with them. Scores of them.They came out of the weed and started climbing out of the sink up onto the draining board. It is the only thing in my long married life that I have been unable to deal with and had to call for OH to get rid of them.
But thank goodness we didn't tip the weed into the pond
without washing it first!
31 Jan, 2020
I am not sure that NZ Flatworms are as bad as they were made out to be years ago. In my village we have had them in out gardens for years and years. Appart from being ugly looking things (not their fault) they seem to live comfortably with the masses of earthworms in the gardens.
31 Jan, 2020
There are several native species that look like the NZ ones so perhaps you have those ones Bulba. Happy new year by the way, I hope all well at your end.
31 Jan, 2020
How interesting,Eileen..I'm eagerly awaiting the ID,I hope it is a good friend,anything that likes Slugs,is a friend of mine too.:o)
31 Jan, 2020
Never seen one...or a leech! Thanks for the info.
1 Feb, 2020
Hi Eileen, I'm no ''worm expert'' but I've just looked this up, and I have to agree with you, it does look VERY similar, Derek.
29 Jan, 2020