this post was submitted on 31 Aug 2024
88 points (97.8% liked)

What is this thing?

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Let us help you identify that mysterious object you’ve found.

Currently in CHALLENGE mode: If you've got something obscure knocking about, post a picture, and let's see how we do. Please prefix such posts with "CHALLENGE:" so we know we've got a fighting chance.

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[–] [email protected] 33 points 2 months ago (1 children)
[–] [email protected] 16 points 2 months ago

Yup i think so, Microplana terrestris (given by someone else here) seems to match!

[–] [email protected] 16 points 2 months ago (1 children)

Almost definitely a leech. They do live in western Europe, although I've only met them in very watery areas (Friesland)

[–] [email protected] 22 points 2 months ago (2 children)

I was almost sure too but i poured hot water on it to kill it (and kill any from my pipes), and the belly part is white (see pic) and i cant find any leech type with white "belly".

[–] [email protected] 22 points 2 months ago (1 children)

Not an entomologist, but I'm thinking terrestrial flatworm - with the white belly perhaps microplana terrestris?

[–] [email protected] 19 points 2 months ago

Yup, i think you are right! Still dont know how he managed to get there, but at least im a little bit less worried to take my shower now...

I had a lot of snails these days in my garden and these flatworm prey on them, so that makes sense.

[–] [email protected] 4 points 2 months ago (1 children)

Looks more like a slug to me

[–] [email protected] 2 points 2 months ago

No it didnt move like a slug (it head could "freely" move around like a leech) and over here we dont have such slim slug like these

[–] [email protected] 14 points 2 months ago

Leeches have distinctive mouths, so there's one way to find out. Well, two ways, I guess. You can put it on your leg and see if it starts sucking your blood. I'd advise just checking its mouth parts.

[–] [email protected] 8 points 2 months ago

Reminds me of that X-Files episode with the worm guy

[–] [email protected] 6 points 2 months ago

Not a leech, leeches have transversal rings and this guy looks very smooth.