Invasive Asian jumping worm threatens local habitats in New York
One invasive crawler that will begin hatching from its cocoon as temperatures linger in the 50s is a worm that can 'jump' in the air.
Giant 'flying' spiders are knocking on New York's doorstep
The Asian jumping worm (Amynthas agrestis) is an invasive species native to East-central Asia that has been recently invading natural habitats in the Northeast, according to the USDA's National Invasive Species Information Center.
Adult worms can grow up to 8 inches long and will thrash around when handled or disturbed, according to Robert Bruner, Extension Entomology at Purdue University. The thrashing movements can become so violent, that the worms appear to jump or leap, resulting in the name.
Aside from the snake-like thrashing movements, the worms can be identified by the clitellum or ring around the worm. Asian jumping worms have rings that tend to be white, which stand out compared to their gray or brown colors.
You may be questioning why a worm should be of any concern, other than the possibility that seeing one leaping into the air may be an unpleasant surprise.
More: Latest News from Around the Tri-State
Unfortunately, the jumping worms are quite destructive to local habitats.
The worms can harm forests by altering the soil structure and vegetation on the forest floor, according to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. The worms rapidly consume organic matter, transforming soil into dry, granular pellets, which depletes the soil of essential nutrients. As a result, many understory and garden plants struggle to thrive, leading to a reduction in the diversity of native plants within the forest ecosystem.
Additionally, the worm's feeding and burrowing behaviors could result in exposed roots, erosion, and an increase in non-native plants.
More Local News
If you observe an Asian jumping worm, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources lists steps you can take to reduce or slow its spread.
Remove any worms you observe, seal them in a bag, and throw them away. The worms will not survive long and by removing them, the adult population will eventually reduce.
Use heat treatment to kill cocoons. Asian jumping worms appear to be sensitive to high temperatures (104 degrees Fahrenheit). Compost piles can reach this temperature. Additionally, clear plastic covering topsoil that is exposed to full sun can increase the heat significantly, even during the spring.
Report sightings to NY iMapInvasives.
Ben Mitchell is a digital content producer from Vermont who has covered both local and international news since 2021. He joined PIX11 in 2024. See more of his work here.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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