Hello and thank you for your report! It does look and sound likely that this is a jumping worm. Scientists at the Oregon Department of Agriculture are interested in getting specimens so they can determine which species are present in Oregon. If you are willing and able, here is how you can submit a specimen:

Preserve specimen in isopropyl alcohol in a crushproof watertight container, then place that within a sealable bag to prevent leaks. Use UPS or FedEx to mail to:
Josh Vlatch
Oregon Department of Agriculture - IPPM
635 Capitol St NE, Salem, OR 97301-2532
If you must use USPS, they do not allow shipping isopropyl alcohol. For USPS, you can use this method: kill the worms in isopropyl alcohol, keeping them in a closed container with the alcohol for at least 24 hours, and then pour off excess alcohol so only just enough is left to keep the specimen moist. Then place that in a sealable bag and send it. You can also place paper towels within the sealable bag in case there is a leak.

For home management tips, see https://hdl.handle.net/1813/103692.

Regards,
Lindsey

Lindsey Wise
Nov. 8, 2021, 3:15 a.m.