Be On The Lookout For A New Invasive Species Of Bug In Arkansas This Year
By Daniella DiRienzo|Published March 31, 2022
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Daniella DiRienzo
Author
Though Daniella was born in New York and has lived in a couple of other states, Mississippi has been her home for more than 30 years. After graduating from the University of Southern Mississippi, Daniella began to hone her writing skills through various internships. In the years since, she’s had the privilege of having her articles appear in several publications, such as the Mississippi-based Parents & Kids Magazine. She’s also had the honor of interviewing actress Sela Ward for The Mississippi Arts and Entertainment Experience.
The Natural State is under attack…by hammerhead worms! Slimy and carnivorous with cannibal-like tendencies, the newest invasive species in Arkansas is like something from a sci-fi movie.
Just when you think you’ve seen it all, Mother Nature proves you wrong. Not so sure? Meet the hammerhead worm.
Not your grandma’s earthworms, hammerhead worms are carnivorous, preying on slugs, snails, insect larvae, and earthworms. They’ve also been known to cannibalize each other. (Yikes!)
Though the worms are not new to the state, sightings have become more common in recent years. The state’s warm climate is ideal for hammerhead worms, making it easy for them to survive and thrive.
Hammerhead worms aren’t just hard to look at. They’re hard to handle, too.
Hammerhead worms contain a potent toxin. If digested, the toxin will make pets sick. It can also irritate human skin, which is why hammerhead worms should never be handled without gloves.
If you come across a hammerhead worm, NEVER chop it in half.
Hammerhead worms regenerate, which means if they’re cut into pieces, each part will become a new worm! The best way to dispose of a hammerhead worm is to fill a container with salt, then, using gloves, place it in the container.
So, did you know about this invasive species in Arkansas? Ever spotted any hammerhead worms? If so, did you know what it was? Know of any other invasive species? Tell us.
Should you spot an invasive species in Arkansas, including hammerhead worms, report it to the Department of Agriculture.
Not all wildlife in is harmful. There are lots of cute creatures, too, including spring peepers, which make their presence known every spring.
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