In lawns and gardens, this could mean harm to ornamental plantings and turf. In forests, this could affect native plant regeneration. As the worms consume organic matter, they change the composition of the soil, making it less favorable for natural fungi and bacteria as well as for plant growth. They consume large amounts of leaf litter, destroying this important organic layer while displacing or out-competing native species including insects, salamanders, ground nesting birds and other earthworms. Local Concern: Individual worms can reproduce without a mate (parthenogenesis) and their populations can increase quickly. Numerous unverified reports suggest jumping worms could be widespread in the Lower Peninsula. Michigan Distribution: Jumping worms were first recorded in Michigan in 2008 in Oakland County. Jumping worms are established in areas of the Northeast, Midwest, and the South. since the late 1800’s, jumping worm populations have been growing and spreading in recent years. Habitat: Jumping worms inhabit leaf litter and upper levels of soil and can infest gardens, yards, potted plants, compost, mulch, forests and agricultural fields. Jumping worms include three similar-looking species: Amynthas tokioensis, Amynthas agrestis, and Metaphire hilgendorfi, all of which are in the family Megascolecidae. Two or three species often occur in the same location. Or - download the MISIN smartphone app and report from your phone - /tools/apps/#home. Use the Midwest Invasive Species Information Network (MISIN) online reporting tool. Earthworms have a raised clitellum that does not fully encircle the body, whereas jumping worms have a flat clitellum, often gray or milky white in color, with no gap. Jumping worms are similar in appearance to earthworms (also known as nightcrawlers) but can be distinguished by the jumping worm’s thrashing movements. Photo courtesy of Holly Greiner-Hallman, Oakland University. Uniform, granular soil created from worm castings, similar to coffee grounds. Photo courtesy of Shikha Singh, JLW CISMA.Įntire jumping worm (Metaphire hilgendorfi), including flat, milky clitellum near head (closer to bottom of photo) – Photo courtesy of Holly Greiner-Hallman, Oakland University. Flat, often gray or milky white clitellum of a jumping worm.
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