Spotted this long worm with a flat, shovel-shaped head slithering on the patio stones. It looks totally unnatural. What is this?

Although small, hammerhead worms can significantly disrupt garden ecosystems. By preying on earthworms, they interfere with natural soil aeration and nutrient recycling, potentially leading to weaker soil and poorer plant growth.

Their spread highlights how fragile ecological balance can be when non-native species are introduced. Learning how to identify and manage hammerhead worms helps protect local ecosystems and preserve the beneficial organisms that keep gardens healthy.