Bipalium kewense

B. kewense, side view of the headplate.
B. kewense hunts its earthworm prey using mechanoreceptors and chemoreceptors located along the leading margin of the headplate. These receptors are exposed when the papillae around the headplate are distended and moved like stubby fingers in an undulating motion to sense the environment, seen in this image. The under surface of the headplate is richly endowed with a variety of glands that include secretions with adhesive, lubricating and probably toxin-related functions.

Published and commented in:

Justine J, Winsor L, Gey D, Gros P, Thévenot J. (2018) Giant worms chez moi! Hammerhead flatworms (Platyhelminthes, Geoplanidae, Bipalium spp., Diversibipalium spp.) in metropolitan France and overseas French territories. PeerJ 6:e4672 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.4672