While disposing of plywood debris, I was on the lookout for snakes. I know they like to hide under flat boards, and the ant-covered plywood would be a perfect place for them to dine.
I had already found a very common brown (DeKay’s) snake, but was quite surprised to find a less-common ring-necked snake. This snake is nocturnal and secretive, and I’ve seen only a few in my life. They’re small, gentle, and very pretty with their black back, light belly, and bright necklace.
Those slimy flat worms—again
Living right next to the snake was an entire family (or maybe just a friendly group) of land planarians, or planarian worms. I counted maybe five or six; it’s hard to tell when they’re clustered in mucus-covered lump—much like something in a sushi bar.
Please don’t chew with your mouth open
We learned last week that these things have a mouth on their belly, about halfway between the head and tail. That mouth is also an anus—which I find to be a confusing anatomical issue. The worm’s pharynx comes out of its mouth (anus) and sucks the fluids out of its prey.
If you’re still reading, congratulations.
Because I don’t see flatworms very often (until lately), I decided to investigate this mouth-anus-pharynx phenomenon. In fact, I took a picture of its protruding plicate pharynx. Ready or not, here it is:
It’s that little white lump in the middle. I’ve arranged the worm so you can see the pharynx sticking out. Earlier, it was not even there and all I could see was a small slit. Regrettably, my phone camera could not focus any closer, but trust me, this is a plicate (pleated) pharynx.
From the Web: “[the pharynx can] become much expanded, ruffled, and funnel-shaped.”
For all you members of Flatworm Friends of America: no worms were harmed. I put this one back on the ground where he sped away in a path of slime.
Next: The completed garage
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