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Photographer: Natalie Darrow, Texas Invaders Citizen Report
Source: Bugwood.org
Cover photo: John Allen, Texas Invaders Citizen Report

Jumping Worms

Amynthas spp.

Origin: Southeast Asia

Impact: Jumping worms have earned this common name because they will thrash around like angry snakes when moved. Unlike our European naturalized earthworms (Lumbricus spp.) that mill through the dirt and excrete nutrients back into the soil after digestion; these invasive jumping worms consume all organic matter and leave no nutrients for the plants.

Identification:
Adults All earthworms have a collar-like structure called a clitellum which is present near their head, but invasive Jumping Worms have a white clitellum that fully encircles the worm and is flush with the worm body. For European Earthworms the clitellum is pink, only partially covers the worm and is raised like a saddle. Invasive jumping worms are also dry and smooth and not slimy and floppy like European earthworms.
Larval Amynthas spp. will not have the clitellum present, so identification relies on the texture of the worm and its characteristic movements. Development from hatchling to adult is estimated to be a minimum of 90 days, based on frost-free periods of invaded locations.

Learn More: Species Profile.

Report Form

If you have spotted Amynthas spp. (Jumping Worms), use this report form to send an email to the appropriate authorities.

Your Name

Email

Phone Number

Street Address

City

County

Zip Code

Location
Latitude: Longitude: in decimal degrees

Did You Collect a Specimen?
Yes or No.

Host Plant
If applicable, what is the host plant?

Comments: Describe the species, impact, infestation or generally what you are seeing.

Please upload a photo of the specimen or the site where the specimen was seen. NOTE: The photo file must be no larger than 2 MB in size.


NOTE: We are expriencing an issue in which after you click on the "Submit Report Now" button below, you will be directed to a blank page. HOWEVER, don't worry, your report will be submitted! (You may simply close the blank page.)

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