Hammerhead worms, jumping worms lives entwined, researchers find
Both the hammerhead worm, with its half-moon-shaped head, and the jumping worm, an earthworm known for thrashing about when disturbed, have been in the news around the country as people or their pets find them.
By Mary Hightower
U of A System Division of Agriculture
Aug. 15, 2023
Fast facts
- Two invasive species evolved together in Asia
- Researchers still studying the two invasives’ impacts
(203 words)
(Newsrooms: with file art of hammerhead worm, Vic Ford)
LITTLE ROCK — Researchers have found that two invasive species of worms that attracted national attention thanks to their “ewwww factor,” have something in common, said Vic Ford, extension head of agriculture and natural resources for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.
Both the hammerhead worm, with its half-moon-shaped head, and the jumping worm, an earthworm known for thrashing about when disturbed, have been in the news around the country as people or their pets find them.
Hammerhead worms, native to Asia, may have been present in Arkansas for decades. The jumping worm, a native of Asia, was first noted in the U.S. sometime in the early 1900s, according to the U.S. Forest Service.
What do they have in common?
“The two species evolved together and one is a predator of the other,” Ford said. “The hammerhead worm was introduced first and may lead to control of the second species, the jumping worms.”
“The introduction of two species from the same part of the world may have some interesting implications for ecosystems here in North America,” Ford said, adding that researchers are still studying the two invasive species and “as of now, we are unsure what the impacts will be on the natural systems where both are found.”
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About the Division of Agriculture
The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture’s mission is to strengthen
agriculture, communities, and families by connecting trusted research to the adoption
of best practices. The Division of Agriculture conducts research and extension work
within the nation’s historic land grant education system through the Agricultural
Experiment Station and the Cooperative Extension Service.
The Division of Agriculture is one of 20 entities within the University of Arkansas
System. It has offices in all 75 counties in Arkansas and faculty on five system campuses.
The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture offers all its Extension
and Research programs to all eligible persons without regard to race, color, sex,
gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital
or veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and
is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.
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Media contact: Mary Hightower
mhightower@uada.edu