First observed interaction between the New Guinea flatworm (Tricladida: Geoplanidae) and the pine rockland trapdoor spider (Araneae: Halonoproctidae) in Miami, Florida

The invasive New Guinea flatworm ( Platydemus manokwari de Beauchamp; Tricladida: Geoplanidae), first recorded on the U.S. mainland in 2012, has rapidly expanded in Miami-Dade County, Florida. To date, no natural predators have been documented. Game camera footage from the pine rockland habitat at Zoo Miami captured a pine rockland trapdoor spider ( Ummidia richmond Godwin & Bond; Araneae: Halonoproctidae) attacking and bisecting a New Guinea flatworm, representing the first recorded instance of possible predation on this invasive flatworm in its invaded range. This observation highlights the need for better understanding of the biology and potential dietary habits of the pine rockland trapdoor spider.