Land Mollusks and Worms - native

Land Mollusk or Worm (unknown species) (various) on Jul 20, 2021

Originally reported as Crazy Snake Worm (jumping worm) (Amynthas spp.)

Submitter has sample

Description of specimen

The worm was on the sidewalk, and when I brushed it with a bag, it started thrashing about, bouncing off the sidewalk. I walked away, and when I headed back to take a picture, a bird had already taken the worm.

Commentary

Hello and thank you for your report! I'm not able to say if this was a jumping worm or not, but the Oregon Dept of Agriculture is interested in learning more about their presence in Oregon. There are more than 10 species in North American commerce and only one has been documented in Oregon, so we are interested in getting specimens to try and keep track of species present. If you are able to take a specimen in the future (collect in a water-tight container with isopropyl alcohol to preserve it) I can tell you where to send it in to the Oregon Dept. of Agriculture.
Best,
Lindsey

Lindsey Wise
July 29, 2021, 8:12 a.m.