Watch out underfoot – danger lurks

Globalisation has a lot to answer for. Humble Irish earthworms have wriggled along happily with each other for millenia now, keeping the soil of this fair island in tip top condition. They never had to worry about being eaten by their own kind.

Then along comes David McWilliams and his Celtic Tiger, with its excessive consumption that has infected every corner of the land. When the poor old Irish earthworm has to put up with a new predator, the Australian flatworm, all because Martin and Maria want an imported potted plant for their decking – it’s time we all hung our collective heads in shame at what we have become.

As reported in the Irish Times ‘Eye on Nature’ column this Saturday, the Australian flatworm is now in Ireland and they have a hefty appetite for native earthworms. A keen eyed nature watcher from Santry in Dublin noticed drowned worms in shallow pools on a walk in the Wicklow hills and took a photo of one still alive, which enabled their subsequent identification.

Just so you know what they look like, here’s a picture. Glad you dropped by today?