This Strange Worm's Mouth Is Also Its Anus
July 15, 2017 - Danish Ho recently filmed
this strange-looking animal in Malaysia that is commonly known as a hammerhead worm. According to experts, it belongs to the genus
Bipalum,but its exact species is unknown. The biology of a hammerhead worm is also very strange. Its mouth is also its anus. If separated, a piece of its body can grow into another worm. And the worm liquefies prey, which it then sucks through its mouth, excreting waste from the same opening later.
Read more at " Weird Animal Question of the Week."
Transcript
This oddly-shaped worm was recently filmed in Malaysia.
Experts say it’s an unknown species of the genus Bipalum … also known as a “hammerhead worm” or “broadhead planarian.”
And its weird appearance may be the least strange thing about it.
Its mouth is also its anus.
If separated, a piece of its body can grow into another worm.
And the worm liquefies prey, which it then sucks through its mouth/anus.
There are about a hundred species of these worms, which vary in size from a few inches to a foot.