The supply of snails in France, one of the main highlights of their cuisine, is threatened by the invasion of a species of worm called the New Guinea flatworms.

The worms were first seen by botanical garden workers at Caen, Normandy. After finding dark and flat worms crawling around their plants, they called for scientific help. A team of French experts studied the DNA of the worms and confirmed that these are Platydemusmanokwari.

 The New Guinea flatworm is included in the 100 most dangerous invasive species. They typically measure about five centimeters in length and in width, they have pale undersides and black backs. These worms were introduced deliberately in more than 15 countries.

In France, scientists are alarmed because they are known to like snails so much. They can go for snails which are up on tree trunks and when there are no snails to eat anymore, they go for other species of worms.

"All snails in Europe could be wiped out. It may seem ironic, but it's worth pointing out the effect that this will have on French cooking," Jean-Lou Justine told the AFP. He is working with the National Museum of Natural History.

According to an article discussing the problem, ""Platydemusmanokwari represents a new and significant threat to biodiversity in France and Europe, which hosts hundreds of species of snails, some of which are endangered and protected."

The worms were originally from New Guinea's mountains and studies have shown that they can survive in places with temperatures as low as 10C. Experts said that this gives them a fighting chance to thrive in Europe's snail-friendly areas.

Other European territories have already called for preventive measures to ensure that the New Guinea worms won't be coming into their countries through the import of agricultural products.

Further details of this finding can be read in the March 4 issue of PeerJ.