Land Mollusks and Worms - invasive

Crazy Snake Worm (jumping worm) (Amynthas spp.) on Aug 8, 2020

Submitter does not have a specimen
EDRR Status: Local expert notified

Description of specimen

Can provide a specimen, just don't have one at the moment. They're easy to find - pretty abundant around my back yard. I'll try to find some this morning for specimens and photos. If successful getting decent photos, I'll file another report with a photo.

Commentary

Dear Robin,

Thank you so much for sharing all of this valuable information. You are sharing a real-live case study on how invasive species can be spread through unknowing and well intentioned gardeners. Thanks for managing your population of Asian jumping works now that you know what you have. I may follow up to work with you to develop a case study on your experience for use with our outreach materials. Please feel free to contact me with any further questions.

Take care,
Tania


Tania Siemens (she/her/hers)
Research Coordinator
Don't Pack a Pest for Academic Travelers
Oregon Sea Grant
Oregon State University
cell: 541-914-0701 email: tania.siemens@oregonstate.edu
https://seagrant.oregonstate.edu/outreach-and-engagement/invasive-species/dont-pack-a-past-student-travelers

Tania Siemens
Aug. 16, 2020, 6:43 a.m.

Remedy

Due to the difficulty in removing worms once established, the focus is on preventing the spread once they are established in an area. See the Jumping Worms fact sheet for Homeowners from the Jumping Worm Outreach, Research, & Management Working Group for tips.

Resources

Also called Jumping Worm, these worms are known for their erratic jumping movements when disturbed. Learn more about how to compare jumping worms with some other commonly encountered worms in Oregon, along with other facts and fun activities, from this publication: Jumping Worms: a guide to identifying a new invasive species in the Pacific Northwest

More information can also be found at: Chicago Botanical Garden crazy snake worm info.

Location

In soil of raised beds, lawn, and under landscape plantings in residential subdivision that was developed in the mid 1990's. The previous owners put in the raised beds, sod, and wood chips sometime around 2013 or 2014.

Expert Reviewer

Tania Siemens
WISE Program Coordinator (Watershed and Invasive Species Education)
Oregon Sea Grant Extension
Oregon State University
tania.siemens@oregonstate.edu
541-914-0701

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