Invasive Species | Forest Pests
Jumping Worms
Photo: Gabriel Price-Christenson, cottagelife.com
Jumping Worms
(Amynthas spp., Metaphire spp., Pheretima spp.)
French common name: Le ver asiatique sauteur
Jumping Worms drastically alter soil properties by consuming the top organic layer of soil and replacing it with their castings (waste). This process affects the soil’s microbiome, ability to hold water, and suitability for plants to establish and remain rooted, which has cascading impacts on forest ecosystems and native wildlife.
Characteristics
Life cycle: Reproduce asexually; juveniles hatch in the spring from poppyseed-sized eggs and grow to maturity during the summer; adults reproduce in early fall and deposit their eggs in the soil before dying at first freeze.
Size & Appearance: Large worms with distinct cloudy-white or gray band (clitellum) that encircles entire body and is not raised; adults are typically 7-16 cm in length; glossy or iridescent brown or grey skin.
Behaviour: Erratic thrashing or ‘jumping’ movements; tail may break off when disturbed.
Habitat: Found in the top few inches of soil in gardens, lawns, and wooded areas; also in compost piles.
Other Indicators: Coffee ground-like soil texture due to castings; tiny, round golden to black cocoons that look like smooth peppercorns.
Key ID Features
Maheshi Dharmasiri
Clitellum is smooth, cloudy-white or gray, is not raised, and encircles entire body
Will thrash wildly back and forth or appear to “jump” when disturbed
Joseph Berger, Bugwood.org
Other earthworms have raised, pink clitellums that don’t encircle the body completely
Common Look-a-Likes
Nightcrawler/Common Earthworm (Lumbricus terrestris):
Has a raised, pink to red clitellum that is located more towards the middle of their body
Red wriggler (Eisenia fetida):
Reddish in color with lighter colored banding between their segments when they stretch out (sometimes called “tiger worm”)
Raised clitellum
For more information about Jumping Worms, check out our blog post! Since Jumping Worms have only recently been discovered in New Brunswick (2022), we are asking the public to report possible sightings by contacting us below or emailing info@nbinvasives.ca